NMP partners with LGU on basic safety training
AS part of its poverty-free zone program thrust, the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) conducted for free, the Basic Safety Training for Motorboat Handlers/ Operators and Fishermen with Typhoon Preparedness (BSTMHOF) to motorboat handlers, operators, and fisherfolks of Daram, Samar on February 23-24, 2021.
The training was conducted taking cognizant of the fact that Daram being one of the island municipalities in the Province of Samar is vulnerable to typhoons and other extreme weather disturbances. Daram’s main source of income is fishing while the mode of transportation is by boat.
Consequently, Provincial Mayor of Daram, Philip Martin L. Astorga, requested that NMP conduct the said training to equip his residents with additional knowledge and confidence on survival skills and how to respond properly in the event of emergencies.
“Alam po namin na magagaling na kayo sa inyong larangan pero kailangan nating ilagay sa tamang perspektibo yung ating mga natutunan. Ang layunin ng training na ito ay madagdagan ng tulong at kaalaman ang inyong mga kakayahan na pang habang-buhay ninyong maisasama at kailanman ay hindi maaaring manakaw mula sa inyo” said NMP Executive Director Joel B. Maglunsod.
The Basic Safety Training for MHOF is aimed at improving the basic safety skills of local motorboat operators and fisherfolks and expose them to new techniques in Personal Survival, Fire Prevention and Firefighting, Elementary First Aid and Personal Safety, and Social Responsibility. Other salient topics are Rules of the Road, Typhoon Awareness, and Marine Safety Requirements.
Moreover, to promote gender equality and address the gender issues present in the field of the marginalized industry, the Gender Sensitivity Training (GST) Course was also incorporated in the discussions.
The first day of the training was conducted online using the Zoom video conferencing platform.
On February 24, 2021, the NMP Team headed by Deputy Executive Director III, Mayla N. Macadawan proceeded to Daram for the conduct of practical exercises and assessment.
This was the first batch of graduates produced by NMP on BSTMHOF this year. Coordination with other Local Government Units (LGU) in Region 8 is currently being made for possible collaboration, thereby expanding the reach of beneficiaries for this program.
Likewise, NMP is in consultation with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Central Office for the possible grant of motorized bancas to various fisherfolks associations in the region through the DOLE’s livelihood assistance. Said bancas can also be used during rescue operations in times of disasters and calamities.
Meanwhile, NMP continues to conduct face-to-face training exclusively to the seafarer-trainees residing within Region VIII, imposing strict implementation of the Maritime Industry Authority’s (Marina) approved Post-Enhanced Community Quarantine Operational Plan and other health and safety protocols as required by the Department of Health (DOH), DOLE, and LGUs.
Likewise, seafarers who are interested in availing NMP’s free online classes on SHAPIMS, PADAMS, and GSTS may register through this link: https://nmp.gov. ph/online-course-offerings/.
Stakeholders who wish to validate the authenticity of their seafarers-employed with NMP issued certificates may visit www.verify.nmp.gov.ph.
Also, those interested in NMP research undertakings may visit the NMP website and access the e-Research Information System Portal which is designed to disseminate NMP completed researches, present the Research Agenda, and engage the industry stakeholders to collaborate in the research activities.
Further, NMP encourages OWWA registered seafarers to avail of the NMP-OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) Seafarers’ Upgrading Program (SUP) and Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP) which entitles the beneficiary to receive financial assistance for training costs from the OWWA.