SAN NARCISO, Zambales (PIA) — A cadet who was twice denied admission to the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) graduated as valedictorian of the academy’s SALIGHIRANG Class of 2026 during the commencement exercises on July 17 at the PMMA Complex in San Narciso, Zambales.
Midshipman First Class Mark Owen Trilles of Tigaon, Camarines Sur, topped the academy’s 327-member graduating class after earning admission on his third attempt, turning personal setbacks into a story of perseverance that underscored the transformative role of quality maritime education in preparing young Filipinos for leadership and national service.
The SALIGHIRANG Class of 2026 consists of 146 graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation and 181 graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering.
In his valedictory address, Trilles shared how he refused to let failure define his future after failing to gain admission to PMMA on his first two attempts.
“Three attempts and multiple operations—that is how much I wanted to join PMMA. On my first two attempts, I was not admitted to the academy. I could have accepted that PMMA simply was not meant for me. But I chose to try again,” he said.
His determination paid off on his third attempt, eventually earning him the academy’s highest academic honor.
Reflecting on his journey, Trilles reminded his fellow graduates that setbacks should not discourage them from pursuing their goals.
“Failure is not the end of our journey. Sometimes, it is the process that prepares us for something greater,” he said.
He also emphasized that leadership is founded on character rather than position.
“Leadership is never about rank alone. It is about earning respect through discipline, humility, and accountability. A leader will make mistakes, but a great leader learns from those mistakes and becomes better because of them,” he said.
Trilles urged his classmates to carry the values they learned at the academy throughout their careers.
“May we continue to lead with integrity, serve with humility, and uphold the honor of this academy wherever the seas may take us,” he said.
A Philippine Coast Guard scholar, Trilles acknowledged the support of the national government, PMMA, Fleet Management Limited, and the PCG for making quality maritime education more accessible through scholarship and cadetship programs.
He also follows the footsteps of his father, who graduated from PMMA with the highest distinction in 1993, continuing a family legacy in the maritime profession.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. presents an academic award to Midshipman First Class Mark Owen S. Trilles during the commencement exercises of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) SALIGHIRANG Class of 2026 at the PMMA Complex in San Narciso, Zambales. Trilles topped the academy’s 327-member graduating class after earning admission on his third attempt. (PCO)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who served as guest of honor and commencement speaker, challenged the graduates to uphold the global reputation of Filipino seafarers as they embark on their maritime careers.
He reminded the graduates that Filipino seafarers have earned the trust and respect of the international community through competence, professionalism, and dedication, but stressed that this reputation must continue to be earned by every generation.
“Today, 327 of you begin your new voyage. You will serve in different organizations and carry out different missions. Yet wherever your journey takes you, you will uphold the proud reputation of a Filipino seafarer,” the President said.
Meanwhile, PMMA Superintendent Commodore Joel Abutal underscored the academy’s continuing transformation through sustained government investments in maritime education.
He highlighted the new Marine Engineering academic building, the simulator research center, the academy’s solar power grid, the nearing completion of a 200-bed cadet dormitory, and the deployment of state-of-the-art full mission integrated bridge and engine room simulators.
He also cited the planned PMMA campus in Cagayan de Oro, which aims to bring world-class maritime education closer to aspiring cadets in Mindanao.
Abutal said these investments have enabled PMMA to produce its largest graduating class in recent history while enhancing the academy’s capability to deliver world-class maritime education.
As the newest members of the Philippine maritime workforce prepare to serve aboard vessels around the world, Trilles’ journey from rejection to academic excellence serves as a testament that perseverance, combined with quality education and meaningful opportunities, can empower Filipino youth to succeed and contribute to nation-building. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Zambales)
