SAN NARCISO, Zambales — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday said the government’s reforms in maritime education, certification and training have helped protect the global employability of Filipino seafarers as he led the commencement exercises of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) “Salighirang” Class of 2026.

Speaking before 327 graduating cadets at the PMMA Complex, Marcos said the reforms were implemented after longstanding deficiencies threatened about 50,000 jobs for Filipino seafarers aboard European Union-registered vessels.

The President said the government strengthened maritime education and training, improved certification procedures, upgraded facilities and equipment, and worked closely with international partners to ensure the country’s compliance with global maritime standards.

“Through these efforts, we will continue to safeguard the global employability of Filipino seafarers,” Marcos said.

He added that Filipino mariners remain among the world’s most trusted because of their competence, professionalism and dedication, but warned that the country’s reputation must continue to be earned by every generation.

“This reputation is not permanent. It must be earned by every generation,” he said.

Marcos also assured Filipino seafarers that the government remains committed to their safety, particularly those assigned to conflict-affected areas, including the Middle East.

“Your safety and welfare remain our priority. Your government will always be within reach, ready to help,” he said.

The President urged the graduates to uphold the country’s reputation for excellence as they begin careers in the merchant marine industry or government maritime service.

The PMMA “Salighirang” Class of 2026 produced 327 graduates, including 146 who earned Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation degrees and 181 who completed Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering.

Another 21 students graduated from the PMMA Graduate School under its master’s programs in Shipping Management and Maritime Education and Training.

Midshipman First Class Mark Owen Trilles of Tigaon, Camarines Sur, graduated as class valedictorian. A Philippine Coast Guard scholar, Trilles entered the academy on his third attempt before earning the highest academic distinction.

In his valedictory address, Trilles encouraged his classmates to view failure as part of growth and called on them to lead with discipline, humility, accountability and perseverance.

PMMA Superintendent Commodore Joel Y. Abutal said the academy continues to expand its facilities and strengthen international partnerships to prepare graduates for the evolving demands of the global shipping industry.

He cited the construction of a new Marine Engineering academic building, the Simulator Research Center, the academy’s solar power grid, the planned completion of a 200-bed cadet dormitory, and the acquisition of full-mission bridge and engine room simulators.

Abutal also announced that PMMA signed a memorandum of understanding with Expertise France under the European Union-funded Global Ports Safety Project to enhance maritime safety and emergency response training through the provision of firefighting equipment.

The academy likewise renewed its partnership with Mokpo National Maritime University of South Korea to expand shipboard training opportunities for cadets.

Also present during the commencement exercises were Transportation Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis, Zambales Gov. Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr., and Zambales 2nd District Rep. Doris “Nanay Bing” Maniquiz.

PMMA, established more than two centuries ago, is a government-funded maritime institution that trains merchant marine officers who later serve in the merchant marine industry, the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy. (Ang Pahayagan Reportorial Team)

Photos courtesy of PCOO and PMMA