President Marcos has vowed to continue improving the country's maritime education to make it "more responsive" to the current needs of the maritime industry.

"We assure you that we will continue to improve our country’s maritime education sector to make it more responsive to the evolving needs of our nation and the global maritime industry," Marcos said on Tuesday, July 30.
He made the statement in his speech delivered by Presidential Assistance for Maritime Concerns Secretary Andres Centino during the 201st commencement exercises of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) "Mandagayan" Class of 2024 in San Narciso, Zambales.
He cited in his message the initiatives the government is taking to advance the country's maritime education.
Among these are the revised standards for the Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation and Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering programs issued through a joint memorandum by the Maritime Industry Authority (MIA) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
According to Marcos, the policy also includes the procedures for monitoring and evaluating maritime higher education institutions.
“This helps guarantee that your education meets the highest global standards in line with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers,” he said.
He added that in February this year, he issued Executive Order No. 55 that provides for the adoption of the 10-year Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP) 2028 which aims to upskill and reskill the maritime workforce, improve their employability, and ensure their continuous growth and development in an ever-evolving sector, among others.
“With all the initiatives the government is pursuing in the maritime sector, I am certain that we will be ushering in a new breed of Filipino sailors who will change our maritime landscape and even the rest of the world for the better,” the President said.
The Chief Executive also encouraged marine graduates to bring the courage and strength of character they possess wherever their future takes them.
“A snappy salute to each of you for this remarkable achievement. You now belong to the elite few who have endured the rigorous formation of this prestigious institution,” Marcos said.
“No matter where your future takes you—whether in the merchant fleets, in the Philippine Navy, in the Coast Guard—I hope you will bring the same grit you had shown when you first decided to set foot in this Academy,” he added.
Of the 303 graduates, 285 of them eyed to pursue their career in shipping companies and manning agencies; 12 in the Philippine Coast Guard; and six in the Philippine Navy.
Marcos also reminded them to continue to excel as leaders, even while ashore.
“So, face the future with fortitude and confidence, knowing that you are well-equipped to navigate the seas of opportunity and challenge,” he said.
“I have full confidence that the PMMA has prepared you for what is to come. After all, this institution has set the highest standard of maritime education and training, producing highly skilled and competent Filipino seafarers,” he added.