Manila, Philippines – 10 November 2025 – The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) and the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during ISWAN – Philippines’ Bayanihan Seminar held at Ramada by Wyndham Manila Central on 10 November 2025. The agreement cements a collaborative commitment to enhance seafarer welfare, advance maritime research, and improve support services for Filipino seafarers.
The ceremonial signing was led by ISWAN – Philippines Country Manager, Marville Cullen Espago; ISWAN Chair of the Board of Trustees, René Andersen; ISWAN Trustee Michael Esplago; NMP Executive Director, Victor A. del Rosario; and NMP Maritime Research and Development Division Head, Elena M. Santos.
The collaboration enables regular sharing of anonymized ISWAN helpline data, integration of welfare insights into NMP’s Philippine Maritime Manpower Factbook, and stronger promotion of ISWAN’s services among seafarers. NMP will also incorporate ISWAN data into its research and amplify ISWAN’s helpline services through its platforms. The partnership includes joint training activities, welfare education initiatives, and collaborative advocacy work.
