President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing maritime education in the Philippines. In a message delivered by Presidential Assistant on Maritime Concerns Secretary Andres Centino during the 201st Commencement Exercises of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA), Marcos expressed confidence that the government’s initiatives will foster a new generation of Filipino sailors poised to transform the maritime industry.
“We assure you that we will continue to improve our country’s maritime education sector to make it more responsive to the evolving needs of our nation and the global maritime industry”, Marcos conveyed to the 'Mandagayan' Class of 2024.
The government has introduced several measures to advance maritime education. These include revised standards for the Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation and Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering programs, established through a joint memorandum by the Maritime Industry Authority and the Commission on Higher Education. This policy outlines the procedures for monitoring and evaluating maritime higher education institutions to ensure they meet the highest global standards, in line with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.
In February, Marcos issued Executive Order 55, which outlines the 10-year Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028. This plan focuses on upskilling and reskilling the maritime workforce, improving their employability, and ensuring their continuous growth and development.
“With all the initiatives the government is pursuing in the maritime sector, I am certain that we will be ushering in a new breed of Filipino sailors who will change our maritime landscape and even the rest of the world for the better”, the President stated.
Marcos also urged the PMMA graduates to be courageous and strong in character, reminding them that they now belong to an elite group who have endured the rigorous training of this prestigious institution. “No matter where your future takes you —whether in the merchant fleets, in the Philippine Navy, in the Coast Guard, I hope you will bring the same grit you had shown when you first decided to set foot in this Academy”, he added.
Of the 303 members of the MANDAGAYAN class, 285 plan to pursue careers in shipping companies and manning agencies, 12 will join the Philippine Coast Guard, and six will serve in the Philippine Navy. The class name MANDAGAYAN stands for “Magigiting na Mandaragat Tagapagpanatili ng Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran ng Bansang Laya”.
Additionally, 24 master’s degree graduates participated in the PMMA’s 201st commencement exercises, marking a significant milestone in their professional journeys.
President Marcos' commitment and the new educational policies aim to position the Philippines as a leading contributor to the global maritime industry, ensuring that Filipino sailors continue to be highly skilled and globally competitive.
