President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday called on graduates of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) to bring the courage and strength of character they possess wherever they go.
President Marcos, who was represented by Presidential Assistant on Maritime Concerns Secretary Andres Centino during the graduation rites, commended the “MANDAGAYAN” Class of 2024.
“A snappy salute to each of you for this remarkable achievement. You now belong to the elite few who have endured the rigorous formation of this prestigious institution,” President Marcos said.
“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.
MANDAGAYAN stands for “Magigiting na Mandaragat Tagapagpanatili ng Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran ng Bansang Laya.”
Of the 303 graduates, 285 of them aimed to pursue their careers in shipping companies and manning agencies; 12 in the Philippine Coast Guard; and six in the Philippine Navy.
Aside from the “MANDAGAYAN” Class of 2024, some 24 master’s degree graduates also joined the 201st Commencement Exercises of the PMMA.
President Marcos reminded them to continue to excel as leaders, even while ashore. “So, face the future with fortitude and confidence, knowing that you are well-equipped to navigate the seas of opportunity and challenge,” Marcos said.
“I have full confidence that the PMMA has prepared you for what is to come. After all, this institution has set the highest standard of maritime education and training, producing highly skilled and competent Filipino seafarers,” he added.
The PMMA, previously named the “Escuela Nautica de Manila,” was created in January 1890 and initially located in Intramuros, Manila.
The institution was converted into the PMMA under Republic Act No. 3680 in 1963 to produce efficient and well-trained merchant marine officers and staff in related fields of merchant marine service.
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