PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday directed all concerned government agencies to coordinate and assist the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) along with similar educational institutions to ensure the quality of maritime education as well as keep it abreast with developments in the global maritime industry.
The President, in addressing the 200th Commencement Exercises of the PMMA “Madasiklan” Class 2023 in Zambales, also urged the 224 graduates to help the country in maintaining its status as a global figure and international asset in the maritime industry.
Marcos also acknowledged contributions of the private sector in promoting the quality maritime education and training in the country to enable the local maritime industry to be more innovative, more resilient, adaptive to the changing maritime demands, and compliant to the internationally accepted standards.
He said their contributions not only makes a difference in the lives of the graduates but also elevates the Philippines’ capabilities as a maritime nation.
“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,” he added.
PMMA, which was originally named Escuela Nautica de Manila and created by virtue of a Spanish Royal Decree issued on Jan. 1, 1820, was inaugurated on April 5, 1820 in Intramuros, Manila. From Intramuros, it was relocated to Fort Bonifacio before transferring to its current location in San Narciso, Zambales in February 1998.
PMMA is a pioneer institution in maritime education in the country that offers a degree of Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, major in Navigation and Seamanship and major in Steam Engineering and Electricity. It has produced many master mariners, chief engineers, shipping executives, naval and coast guard officers, educators and trainers now serving in marine and maritime-related industries in the country and abroad.
