By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining reforms and programs aimed at ensuring the competitiveness of Filipino seafarers in the global maritime industry.
The President made the vow during the commencement exercises of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) “Salighirang” Class of 2026 held in San Narciso, Zambales on Friday.
In his speech, President Marcos Jr. noted that the administration has strengthened maritime education and training, improved certification systems, and upgraded facilities and equipment to ensure that the Philippine maritime industry continues to meet international standards.
“Through these efforts, we will continue to safeguard the global employability of Filipino seafarers,” he said. “At the same time, we will uphold the highest international standards in our maritime education, training, and certification system.”
The Chief Executive also assured Filipino seafarers that the government will always be ready to provide assistance as they navigate uncertain and conflict-affected waters in the Middle East.
“Your safety and welfare remain our priority. Your government will always be within reach, ready to help,” he stressed.
The “Salighirang” Class of 2026 comprises 327 graduated midshipmen—146 from the Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) and 181 from the Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE).
The Class’ name draws from “Salig,” a Cebuano term which signifies trust and guiding light, and the Filipino word “Hirang,” meaning chosen or destined.
President Marcos Jr. likened the seafarers to a lighthouse that leads ships safely to shore and as role models for future midshipmen.
He likewise urged the graduates to “carry yourselves with competence, lead with humility, and serve with integrity.”
“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,” President Marcos Jr. said.
“As you sail across the globe, know that you have with you the hopes of your families, the lessons imparted by the Academy, and the support of a nation that believes in you,” he added.
Leading the Salighirang Class of 2026 was M/1CL Mark Owen Trilles, a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) scholar from Tigaon, Camarines Sur, who was twice denied admission to the PMMA before returning for a third attempt—and graduating as the class valedictorian.
Borrowing the famous words of poet and playwright Samuel Beckett, Trilles said, “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.”
“Failure is not the end of our journey, sometimes it is the process that prepares us for something greater… It is normal to feel tired but we must never stop moving forward,” he said.
The PMMA is a 206-year-old government-funded maritime institution that produces world-class Filipino merchant marine officers who serve at the Philippine Navy, the PCG, and the Merchant Marine Fleet.
-jpv
