In a landmark move to solidify the Philippines’ position as a global maritime powerhouse, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to bridge the skills gap in the Shipbuilding and Ship Repair (SBSR) sector.
The partnership aims to standardize and elevate the technical proficiency of Filipino shipyard workers, ensuring they meet both local demand and rigorous international benchmarks.
The collaboration focuses on critical technical disciplines essential to modern maritime engineering, including:
Ship Welding
Ship Fitting
Pipefitting
Through this agreement, both agencies will implement joint training initiatives, with a heavy emphasis on Enterprise-Based Training (EBT). This “hands-on” approach allows trainees to learn directly within the industry environment, gaining practical experience on actual shipyard projects.
MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan emphasized that this synergy is a vital catalyst for national industrial growth.
“This collaboration will help expand our local shipyards and significantly increase the number of Philippine-built vessels. By investing in our people, we are investing in the capacity of our maritime infrastructure,” Malaluan stated.
The scale of the industry highlights the urgency of this initiative:
130+ Shipbuilding and Ship Repair entities nationwide.
146 Registered Boatbuilders.
20,000+ Registered domestic vessels requiring maintenance and upgrades.
To ensure the long-term success of the partnership, a Technical Working Group (TWG) will be established. This body is tasked with the continuous monitoring and implementation of training modules, ensuring they remain agile and responsive to the evolving technological needs of the maritime industry.
By merging TESDA’s vocational expertise with MARINA’s regulatory oversight, the Philippines is poised to transform its maritime workforce into a highly competitive, global asset—driving job creation and propelling the nation toward becoming a premier maritime hub.
