According to Bongbong Marcos to PMMA grads: Boost PH maritime dominance | Inquirer News, The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) graduates were encouraged by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday to support preserving the nation's reputation in the international maritime business.
Government-run The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy is a maritime higher education facility that turns out merchant marine officers. Marcos delivered the keynote address at the PMMA Madasiklan Class of 2023's 200th Commencement Exercises in Zambales.
Be willing to consider how you may live up to your class name, "magigiting na may dangal at simbolo ng kawal ng karagatan," despite whatever difficulties you may encounter. As you do so, assist the Philippines in upholding its reputation as a leader in the marine sector and a resource for the entire globe, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remarked during the speech.
The 224-cadet class was the group that was subject to COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. According to Marcos, the word "madasiklan" means "brave with honor" and is a designation for mariners.
The cadets were lauded by the President for surviving the epidemic.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that the class of 2023 has made more sacrifices because the pandemic occurred at the same time as they were unable to travel home frequently due to the lockdown. As a result, they have experienced hardship, and the Filipino people are grateful for their services and commitment to responsibilities going forward.
According to Bongbong Marcos to PMMA grads: Boost PH maritime dominance | Inquirer News, Marcos told the graduates that he calls on all the concerned agencies to coordinate closely with the PMMA, facilitate what will make our maritime education even more responsive to the needs of the nation while ensuring that whatever steps we take will be in compliance with laws and regulations. He will be their partner in improving the skills and capabilities of Filipino people in the maritime industry.
Graduates of the Academy also have the option of joining organizations like the Philippine Navy or the Philippine Coast Guard, however he did not clarify which government organizations they are.
After 50,000 Filipino seafarers faced the possibility of losing their jobs because their training did not exceed the requirements of European Union warships, Marcos pledged in December 2022 to raise the caliber of the nation's maritime education.
