President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. challenged the newest graduates of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) to maintain humility, excellence, and strong moral principles as they embark on their respective careers.
Speaking at the commencement exercises for the PMMA Salighirang Class of 2026 on Friday, July 17, in Narciso, Zambales, the Chief Executive exhorted the graduates to internalize the core principles instilled in them throughout their years of rigorous training.
”Kaya sa inyo, sa ating mga nagtapos: kayo ang ilaw na susundan ng iba,” Marcos said.
”Wherever the sea takes you, whether you serve under the Navy’s flag, guard our shores, or fly our colors as merchant marine officers, never forget to bring that light with you,” he added.
”Carry yourselves with competence, lead with humility, and serve with integrity,” the President urged them.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, who was also present at the event, promised that the administration would persist in upgrading the nation’s maritime schooling and training frameworks.
He emphasized that these advancements are vital to maintaining the global competitiveness of Filipino mariners and safeguarding them against evolving international regulations and emerging security challenges.
Marcos underscored his administration’s ongoing projects to protect the worldwide reputation of Filipino sailors. He noted that the state has rolled out comprehensive reforms, which involve refining maritime curriculum, streamlining certification protocols, upgrading training equipment, and bolstering ties with global allies.
”We strengthened maritime education and training, improved certification systems, upgraded facilities and equipment, and worked closely with our international partners to ensure that Philippine standards continue to meet global expectations,” the President said.
”Through these efforts, we will continue to safeguard the global employability of Filipino seafarers. At the same time, we will uphold the highest international standards in our maritime education, training, and certification system,” he added.
The President brought up past struggles faced by the country’s maritime schooling and licensing systems, which previously put the livelihoods of thousands of local mariners in jeopardy.
”Not too long ago, our maritime education and certification standards came under a serious challenge,” the President said.
Marcos pointed out that the jobs of roughly 50,000 Filipino seafarers working aboard European Union-flagged ships were thrown into limbo due to those compliance issues.
”We could not allow the future of our Filipino seafarers to be placed at risk. That is why your government acted immediately,” Marcos said.
Additionally, he stressed that state responsibility extends past merely meeting global benchmarks. With numerous Filipino sailors still operating in volatile conflict zones like the Middle East, Marcos reiterated that ensuring their security and welfare remains a top government priority.
”Your government will always be within reach, ready to help,” Marcos vowed.