President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. acknowledged the sacrifices made by the parents of the graduating class of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA), calling them true heroes who provided support for their children.

“Para naman sa inyong mga magulang at pamilya, kayo po ang tunay na bayani sa likod ng bawat kadete,” President Marcos said in his speech during the commencement exercises of the PMMA Kadaligtan Class of 2025.

“Marahil ngayong araw, naiisip ninyo ang lahat ng payo at sakripisyo ninyo sa inyong mga anak, sa inyong mahal sa buhay na kadete upang matulungan ang ating mga kadete na makarating dito,” the President added.

The President urged the 252 members of the PMMA Kadaligtan graduating class to uphold the tradition of excellence for which their 205-year-old institution is known.

“To our cadets, do not forget to carry your mission and carry on the tradition of excellence of the PMMA,” said President Marcos.

The event was held in the mess hall of the PMMA in San Narciso, Zambales.

Midshipman Cadet First Class Marc John Castañeto graduated as class valedictorian.

The 205-year-old PMMA is a government-funded pioneer institution in maritime higher education, which produced the finest Filipino merchant marine officers serving in marine and maritime-related industries globally.

In his speech, President Marcos told the graduates that they must live up to their graduating class name.

“May this day inspire you to live up to your class’ name, bringing your own light even in the darkest of seas,” the Chief Executive said.

President Marcos reminded the graduates that in all their voyages, they carry with them the dignity and love of the nation.

“Mga kadete, malawak ang abot-tanaw ninyo. Dadalhin kayo ng inyong mga barko sa iba’t-ibang dako ng mundo. Tandaan ninyo na sa bawat paglalakbay, bitbit ninyo ang dangal at pagmamahal sa bayan,” the President said.

“Dalhin ninyo ang pangalan ng PMMA, ng ‘Kadaligtan,’ at ng Pilipinas sa bawat pantalan at bawat karagatang inyong tatawirin,” President Marcos said. | PND