Marcos to PMMA grads: Maintain Philippines' good standing in maritime industry

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Thursday called on the new graduates of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) to maintain the country’s stature as a global figure in the maritime industry.

"Whatever challenges you may face, be open to how you can live up to your class name: magigiting na may dangal at simbolo ng kawal ng karagatan," Marcos said in his speech during the commencement exercises of the PMMA "MADASIKLAN" Class 2023.

"As you do so, help the Philippines maintain its name as a global figure in the maritime industry and an asset to the entire world," he added.

Marcos said the Class of 2023 had it harder, given that they were pursuing their degree amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdowns that were implemented to prevent transmission.

"This feat represents all that you have brought to the table so that we may fulfill the goals that you have set for your lives. This success also represents all the good these investments will bring in the future," the President said.

"Expect breakthroughs for yourselves, for your families and also for our country. Whichever career path you may pursue, I encourage you to continue to do everything with the same amount of patience and resilience that you have shown during the time you had here in PMMA."

Marcos also called on all the concerned agencies to coordinate closely with the PMMA and "facilitate what will make our maritime education even more responsive to the needs of the nation while ensuring that whatever steps that we take will be in compliance with laws and regulations."

Marcos also thanked the private sector for providing support to the PMMA in promoting quality maritime education and training for the industry to be more innovative, resilient and adaptive.

"Let the opportunity to make a change in our society propel you to excel further and to become the leaders that you were trained and meant to be. As the father of this nation, congratulations to the PMMA MADASIKLAN Class of 2023," he told the graduates.

"May all of you be blessed as you navigate the world’s seas and oceans in the days and years ahead," he added. —KBK, GMA Integrated News