Philippine maritime sector undergoing reforms – Marcos

MANILA, Philippines, August 18 ------ The government is carrying out major reforms to further improve the country’s maritime sector to ensure the competitiveness of the next generation of Filipino seafarers, President Marcos said.

Addressing the graduates of the “Kadaligtan” Class of 2025 of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) in San Narciso, Zambales, Marcos said the government guarantees Filipino mariners the highest level of education and training to ensure their readiness to respond to challenges. “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. “Your class name says it all. (You) journey far into the sea to carry the light for others to follow, even in the most turbulent waters,” he said.

Kadaligtan stands for Kawal ng Dalampasigan, Liwanag ng Karagatan. He urged the 252 graduates to carry on the tradition of excellence of the PMMA. Marcos announced the implementation of a National Merchant Marine Aptitude Test to assess the readiness of the Filipino youth to take maritime courses in college. He said a Ladderized Maritime Education and Training Program is also being finalized so non-degree holders can transition to full maritime degrees.

Marcos said the Maritime Industry Authority is also working to increase opportunities for onboard training. Of the PMMA graduates, Marcos said some may serve with the Navy, others with the Coast Guard and the rest with the merchant marine. The Kadaligtan Class is composed of 144 graduating students with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation degree and 108 earning a BS in Marine Engineering. Midshipman 1st Class Marc John Castañeto, who hails from Llanera, Nueva Ecija, is the class valedictorian. Castañeto is a son of a retired elementary school teacher and a retired bus conductor.

Source: philstar.com