Marcos to merchant marine graduates: ‘Bring with you honor, love of country’ | Pinakabagong Balita sa Pilipinas

Marcos to merchant marine graduates: ‘Bring with you honor, love of country’ — President Marcos Jr. delivers his speech urging commitment to maritime excellence as he led the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy’s “Kadaligtan” Clas...

President Marcos Jr. delivers his speech urging commitment to maritime excellence as he led the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy’s “Kadaligtan” Class of 2025 graduation in San Antonio, Zambales on Friday, August 15, 2025. (Photo by JOANNA ROSE AGLIBOT)

President Marcos Jr. delivers his speech urging commitment to maritime excellence as he led the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy’s “Kadaligtan” Class of 2025 graduation in San Antonio, Zambales on Friday, August 15, 2025. (Photo by JOANNA ROSE AGLIBOT)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to elevating maritime education and training in the country.

He made the statement during the commencement exercises of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) “Kadaligtan” Class of 2025 in San Narciso, Zambales.

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After congratulating the 252 cadets, Marcos warned them that the seas are rife with challenges and it will test their limits.

“That is why the government is ensuring that the training standards in our country are stronger and of a higher level. We will soon have a National Merchant Marine Aptitude Test that will assess whether our youth are ready to take maritime courses in college,” he said.

“In addition, we are also developing the Ladderized Maritime Education and Training Program to ensure a continuous progression from non-degree to degree programs,” the president added.

He also noted that the Maritime Industry Authority is working on ways to expand opportunities for onboard training for graduates.

“Let this day inspire you to live up to your class’ name, bringing your own light even to the darkest of seas,” he said.

“Cadets, your horizons are wide. Your ships will take you to different parts of the world. Remember that in every journey, you bring with you the honor and love for the nation,” Marcos told the graduates.

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The PMMA graduates are expected to join the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Merchant Marine fleet.

The “Kadaligtan” Class stands for “’Kawal ng Dalampasigan, Liwanag ng Karagatan.”

Of the 252 cadets, 144 graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Marine Transportation, and 108 earned a bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering.

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Midshipman First Class Marc John Castañeto from Llanera, Nueva Ecija emerged as the class valedictorian. He is the son of a retired elementary school teacher and a retired bus conductor. /apl

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