By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the country’s maritime industry as he underscored key government initiatives aimed at enhancing education and training quality of future Filipino seafarers.
In a speech at the Commencement Exercises of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy’s (PMMA) “Kadaligtan” Class of 2025 in San Narciso, Zambales, Marcos Jr. congratulated the 252 cadets, who will serve with the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, or the Merchant Marine Fleet.
“The seas are rife with danger. It will test you; it will push you to your limits, but above all, it will shape you into the mariner that you are meant to be,” the President said.
“Kaya naman, tinitiyak ng pamahalaan na mas matibay at mas mataas ang antas ng pagsasanay ng ating bansa,” he added.
The Chief Executive announced the establishment of a National Merchant Marine Aptitude Test, which would measure students’ readiness to pursue maritime courses in college.
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is likewise finalizing the Ladderized Maritime Education and Training Program for those who want to transition from non-degree programs to maritime degrees.
“Gumagawa rin ang MARINA ng iba’t ibang paraan upang maparami ang oportunidad para sa onboard training,” he continued.
Before closing his speech, Marcos called on the graduates to live up to their class’ name as they perform their duties and mission.
“Mga kadete, malawak ang abot-tanaw ninyo. Dadalhin kayo ng inyong mga barko sa iba’t ibang dako ng mundo,” he said. “Tandaan ninyo na sa bawat paglalakbay, bitbit ninyo ang dangal at pagmamahal sa bayan.”
Hailing as the top of the Kadaligtan Class, which stands for “Kawal ng Dalampasigan, Liwanag ng Karagatan”, is Midshipman First Class (MIDN/1CL) Marc John Castañeto from Llanera, Nueva Ecija.
Castañeto, a son of a retired teacher and a former bus conductor, shared that his journey to being a marine cadet did not start in a community near the sea, but on farmland—noting that becoming a seafarer, for him, seemed impossible.
“I [did not] inherit maps o mga kuwento ng pagbabarko, but I [inherited] something better—its purpose,” he said in his valedictory address, citing challenges he encountered as studying with his peers who already have backgrounds in ships or the maritime industry.
He recalled his parents’ advice: “Hindi mo kailangang lumaki sa tabi ng pantalan o makakita ng barko araw-araw para mangarap ka ng malaki. Ang tunay na paglalakbay ay nagsisimula sa puso, sa pangarap na hindi mo binibitawan, sa sipag na hindi mo kinakaligtaan, at sa pananalig na iyong pinapanindigan.”
Castañeto was also conferred the Presidential Saber and the Academic Excellence Award for graduating at the top of the class.
-jpv
