The Philippines Department of Transportation discusses curriculum evaluation and seafarer assistance programs to enhance the country’s maritime industry.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) in the Philippines has discussed curriculum evaluation and assistance to seafarers during an interagency meeting aimed at addressing European Maritime Safety Agency findings related to Philippine compliance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for seafarers. The meeting saw DOTr officials request the Commission on Higher Education to evaluate curriculum at maritime schools and for the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to consider extending assistance for seafarers to undertake further training. Officials also proposed moving the National Maritime Polytechnic tentatively under DOTr’s responsibility.