President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday urged graduates of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) to uphold their institution’s legacy by serving the nation with dedication and bringing honor to the country.

In his speech, President Marcos reflected on the proud history of the PMMA, acknowledging that the maritime institution began its journey in 1820 as the Escuela Nautica de Manila in Intramuros.

“Dalawang daang taon ng paghahanda at pagbibigay direksyon sa mga kabataang Pilipino na tatawid sa dagat upang maglingkod at magdala ng dangal sa ating bayan. Sa loob ng mahigit dalawang siglo, ilang libo na ang mga marinong hinubog ng PMMA sa iba’t-ibang parte ng mundo,” President Marcos said during the commencement exercises of the PMMA Kadaligtan Class of 2025.

“Sa bawat pagtatapos, mayroong bagong angkan ng mga magpapatuloy ng pamana ng institusyong ito. Ngayon, kayo ang bagong henerasyon,” the President added.

President Marcos said the 252 graduates will serve either in the Philippine Navy or the Coast Guard, while others will join the merchant marine.

The PMMA Kadaligtan (Kawal ng Dalampasigan, Liwanag ng Karagatan) Class has 252 members, 144 of whom received the degree of Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, while 108 graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering.

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.

“Each path is different, but you carry the same compass guiding you towards excellence and service,” President Marcos continued.

“The seas are rife with danger. It will test you; it will push you to your limits, but above all, it will shape you into the mariner you are meant to be,” the Chief Executive said.

President Marcos said the government plans to have a National Merchant Marine Aptitude Test to measure whether young people are ready to take maritime courses in college.

The government also plans to have a Ladderized Maritime Education and Training Program, so that there will be continuous development in non-degree and degree programs.

The MARINA also created different ways to increase opportunities for onboard training. ǀ PND