SAN NARCISO, Zambales — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday, July 17, honored the 327 graduates of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) in Zambales, urging them to uphold the global reputation of Filipino seafarers as they embark on careers in the maritime industry.
“Together, you have identified yourselves as both the light that guides ships home and the pillar that your fellow Filipinos can rely on,” President Marcos said during the commencement exercises of the PMMA SALIGHIRANG Class of 2026.
The President reminded the graduates that they were about to “begin a new voyage” and would serve in different organizations with different missions. “Yet wherever your journey takes you, you will uphold the proud reputation of a Filipino seafarer,” the President said.
The commencement exercises were held at the PMMA Grandstand inside the PMMA Complex in Barangay Natividad, San Narciso, Zambales.
Midshipman First Class Mark Owen Trilles, a native of Tigaon, Camarines Sur, who gained entry to academy on this third attempt, is the valedictorian of the PMMA’s 327-strong 2026 graduating class.
The SALIGHIRANG Class of 2026 consists of 146 graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation course and 181 graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering program.
In the same ceremony, President Marcos also recognized the 21 graduates of the PMMA Graduate School, commending them for their commitment to lifelong learning.
Speaking before the graduates, President Marcos traced the academy’s more than two-century history, and recalled how it began as a small nautical school in Intramuros before evolving into what is now the PMMA.
“Like a lighthouse in the middle of a storm, the PMMA has stood for generations, guiding young Filipinos towards the sea and back home,” the President said.
He also reminded the graduates that they would soon join the ranks of Filipino seafarers who are recognized worldwide for their competence and professionalism.
“They are respected because they consistently show competence, professionalism, and dedication. More importantly, they have earned the trust of the international community,” President Marcos said. Such recognition must continually be earned, he added.
Meanwhile, Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. who welcomed President Marcos to PMMA, along with Zambales 2nd District Rep. Doris Maniquiz, congratulated members of the graduating class and expressed pride in the graduates coming from Zambales.
These included P/ENS Yeoj E. Lapeña from Masinloc town, who received the Academic Excellence Award as Cum Laude and Rank 2 among those who took up the Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation course.
Gov. Ebdane also said the provincial government will continue supporting the PMMA in the shaping of excellent and responsible Filipino seafarers. ▲
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