The Department of Migrant Workers–National Maritime Polytechnic (DMW-NMP) has officially launched the Philippine Maritime Manpower Factbook Portal during the 2025 Maritime Research Forum held at the Diamond Hotel in Manila on July 15, 2025. The launch marked a significant milestone in the Philippines’ maritime governance, introducing a centralized digital platform aimed at consolidating crucial information on the country’s maritime workforce.

The Factbook Portal serves as a comprehensive repository of data that includes seafarer demographics, education and training records, employment statistics, labor market trends, and the participation of women in the maritime sector. By providing an accessible and user-friendly web interface, the portal is expected to benefit shipping companies, crewing agencies, maritime schools, government regulators, and researchers who rely on timely and accurate information.

Executive Director Victor A. Del Rosario, in his welcome remarks, underscored the importance of data-driven decision-making for the future of the maritime industry. He emphasized that the platform reflects NMP’s commitment to evidence-based policy development, stronger inter-agency collaboration, and enhanced transparency. He noted that the Factbook Portal is not only a tool for analysis but also a bridge for better cooperation among maritime stakeholders.

“This platform will empower decision-makers, training institutions, researchers, and seafarers by providing them with timely, accurate, and relevant data. It is a step toward greater transparency and strategic alignment within the maritime industry,” Del Rosario said, highlighting the broader impact of the initiative.

To ensure accuracy and sustainability, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between the DMW-NMP and its partner agencies, including the Commission on Higher Education, the Maritime Industry Authority, and the Philippine Coast Guard. The agreement formalized the protocols for data sharing, updates, and validation, ensuring that the portal remains a trusted and authoritative source of maritime workforce statistics.

Representatives from the partner agencies expressed strong support for the initiative, acknowledging its role in enhancing both national and international maritime workforce planning. Their commitment reflects the shared recognition that reliable and transparent data is essential for long-term policy and industry development.

The Philippine Maritime Manpower Factbook, first produced by NMP in 2018, was institutionalized in 2021 through a collaborative MOA with key agencies. Now operating under the Department of Migrant Workers, the Factbook integrates contributions from MARINA, CHED, PCG, and OWWA. It is aligned with the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers and the Data Privacy Act, reinforcing its mandate for secure and responsible data management.

One of the notable changes is the transition from the term “manpower” to “workforce,” which underscores the country’s commitment to gender inclusivity and the empowerment of women in the maritime profession. This evolution reflects the growing recognition of the diverse contributions of women in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

The Factbook Portal offers dynamic dashboards, interactive visualizations, and searchable datasets, enabling users to access deployment statistics, training updates, and certification trends. Future developments are expected to include artificial intelligence integration for forecasting and labor market analysis, further positioning the Philippines as a global leader in providing competent and well-documented seafarers.

The Philippine Maritime Manpower Factbook Portal is now publicly accessible through https://factbook.nmp.gov.ph
. The DMW-NMP invites all stakeholders to explore the platform and harness its potential to strengthen research, policy-making, and workforce development in the maritime sector, advancing the nation’s role as a premier provider of world-class seafarers.