SAN NARCISO, Zambales (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged the new graduates of Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) to carry over the values and training instilled by the educational institution into their future roles as officers, engineers and leaders.
About 97 cadets received their degrees in Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation while 127 cadets accepted their degree in Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering during Thursday’s 200th Commencement Exercises.
In his speech, Marcos highlighted the hard work and perseverance of the Magigiting na may Dangal at Simbolo ng Kawal ng Karagatan (MADASIKLAN) Class of 2023 from the many stages of screening and evaluation to the added challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“For the commitment, dedication, and integrity that each of the 224 cadets have demonstrated during the years in the academy I say to you: You have done a good job. Because as you take on your respective roles—whichever career path you may pursue—I encourage you to continue to do everything with the same amount of passion and resilience that you have shown during the time you had here in PMMA,” Marcos said.
He reminded the MADASIKLAN Class of 2023 to live up to the name of their class whatever challenges they may encounter, and to help in maintaining the country’s name as a global figure in the maritime industry and an asset to the world.
Moreover, Marcos encouraged the graduates to continue excelling in their field in a bid to realize their potential as agents of change and future leaders of the country.
“This success also represents all the good this investment will bring in the future—expect breakthroughs for yourselves, for your families, and also for our country. Let that thought and let the opportunity to make a change in our society propel you to excel further and to become the leaders that you were trained and meant to be,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the President thanked the private sector partners for supporting the PMMA, and elevating the Philippines’ maritime capabilities.
He added that the government is open for collaboration with the private sector to advance the quality of maritime education and training, paving the way for a more innovative, resilient and adaptive industry.
“As your partner in improving the skills and capabilities of our people in the maritime industry, I call 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 that we take will be in compliance with laws and regulations,” Marcos stated.
For his part, PMMA Superintendent Commodore Joel Abutal lauded the MADASIKLAN Class of 2023 for being the “strong resilient graduates of adversities” for transitioning and adapting to the new normal setup during the height of the pandemic.
Abutal emphasized that they have portrayed excellent images and performances during their academic years, and are ready for major responsibilities in the professional fields.
With this, he reminded the graduates to take to heart the virtue and traditions of the academy whatever role they may have in the future.
“Before you march the long blue line and bid your goodbyes to the grounds of PMMA, let this be your compass to success as you sail on to the future voyages of life. May you lead and uphold the guided virtue and traditions of the academy, embrace the responsibility of advancing your vision to nurture your abilities and the knowledge you have learned while paving your way to the milestone of your chosen endeavors,” Abutal said.
PMMA is the pioneer institution in maritime education in the country, and is supported by government funds with the assistance from the shipping industry.
It has produced many master mariners, chief engineers, shipping executives, naval and coast guard officers, excellent educators and trainers now serving in marine and maritime-related industries in the country and abroad. (CLJD/TJBM-PIA 3)
