The measure mandating the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) to admit one cadet from each congressional district every school year to comprise its freshman class breezed through the House plenary on Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 15.
Approved on third and final reading during plenary session Wednesday afternoon was House Bill (HB) No.6994.
Deputy Speaker and Antipolo City 1st district Rep. Roberto Puno, who presided over the session, announced that the bill received 248 affirmative votes during nominal voting. There were zero negative votes and one abstention.
It's the aim of the measure to ensure the representation of all districts in graduating classes of the PMMA and widen the access to education of students from far-flung regions.
Cagayan de Oro City 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, Pangasinan 6th district Rep. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, and Majoroty Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd district Rep. Mannix Dalipe were the principal authors of HB No.6994.
The PMMA, based in San Narciso, Zambales, is the pioneer institution in maritime education and one of the oldest institutions in the country having been established in 1820.
“This proposed legislation will not only provide equity, but will also accord the opportunity to study in PMMA to deserving students, especially the youth coming from provinces and far-flung areas,” House Speaker Martin Romualdez said.
He clarified that the bill does not aim to give special treatment "because the applicants must still pass the examination and submit the requirements".
"But this will definitely ensure that at the very least, youth from across the country can start on a level playing field in terms of access to education in the prestigious PMMA,” the Leyte 1st district congressman noted.
Section 1 of HB No.6994 requires that the freshman cadets who will come from the districts should pass the entrance examination and comply with all the admission requirements of the PMMA.
The bill also provides that for a province with only one congressional district, at least three cadets will be selected.
It also mandates the PMMA, in consultation with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and other concerned government agencies, to formulate rules and regulations for the effective implementation of the program once the measure is passed into law.
With support from the government and the shipping industry, it has produced many master mariners, chief engineers, shipping executives, naval officers, and other practitioners in the marine and maritime industry.
The PMMA primarily offers two four-year programs, namely Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) and Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE).
It was in 1996 when it started offering Master in Shipping Management and Master in Maritime Education and Training programs.