President Marcos has called on the 252 graduates of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) to live up to their class name “Kadaligtan” and uphold the country’s honor and tradition of service as they begin their careers in the maritime sector.

Addressing the commencement exercises in San Narciso, Zambales, on Friday, Aug. 15, the President reminded the new graduates that the seas they will navigate are “rife with danger” and will test both their skill and commitment.

“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, noting the batch’s name Kawal ng Dalampasigan, Liwanag ng Karagatan (Sentinels of the Coast, Beacon of the Seas).

“These journeys may push you to your limits, but above all, they will shape you into the mariner that you are meant to be,” he added.

The President also called on the graduates to carry the values and discipline of the PMMA wherever they are assigned—whether in the Navy, Coast Guard, or the merchant marine—and to remember that they represent the country in “every port and every sea” they traverse.

“Bitbit ninyo ang dangal at pagmamahal sa bayan (You carry with you the honor and love of the nation),” he said.

Marcos then assured the maritime sector of government support, saying the administration is committed to strengthening training standards and increasing opportunities for on-board practice.

He noted that the Maritime Industry Authority is working on new measures to expand shipboard training slots, while the Department of Transportation is coordinating with industry partners to improve access to training vessels.

To prepare future maritime students, President Marcos said the government will launch a National Merchant Marine Aptitude Test that will assess whether young Filipinos are ready to take maritime courses in college.

He added that officials are also developing a Ladderized Maritime Education and Training Program, which will allow students to progress from non-degree credentials to degree programs in a continuous pathway.

The PMMA, established in 1820 as the Escuela Náutica de Manila, is the oldest maritime institution in Asia and has produced thousands of Filipino merchant mariners over the past two centuries.

It is a government-funded pioneer institution in maritime higher education, producing the finest Filipino merchant marine officers to serve in marine and maritime-related industries worldwide.

The 'Kadaligtan' Class, which stands for 'Kawal ng Dalampasigan, Liwanag ng Karagatan', comprises 252 cadets. Of these, 144 are graduating with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Marine Transportation, and 108 are earning a BS in Marine Engineering.

Hailing as the top of the class is Midshipman First Class (MIDN/1CL) Marc John Castañeto from Llanera, Nueva Ecija. He is the son of a retired elementary school teacher and a retired bus conductor.

PMMA graduates are bound to join the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Merchant Marine Fleet as licensed marine engineers and deck officers who will “help the country maintain its reputation as a key player in the global maritime industry and, most importantly, support and strengthen the country’s maritime defense.”