Marcos tells new merchant mariners to lead with humility, integrity

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday urged the new graduates of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) to lead with integrity and humility, and help maintain the country's global standing in the maritime industry.In his address during the PMMA commencement exercises in San Narciso, Zambales, the president reminded the graduates: "You will serve in different organizations and carry out different missions. Yet wherever your journey takes you, you will uphold the proud reputation of a Filipino seafarer.""Wherever the sea takes you, wherever you serve, under the Navy's flag, guard our shores or fly our colors as merchant marine officers, never forget to bring that light with you. Carry yourselves with competence, lead with humility and serve with integrity," he said.He said Filipino seafarers are recognized worldwide for their competence and professionalism, but "this reputation is not permanent and must be earned by every generation."In the same speech, Marcos also commended the 21 graduates of the PMMA Graduate School for their commitment to lifelong learning.The president recalled how the academy began two centuries ago as a small nautical school in Intramuros. "Like a lighthouse in the middle of a storm, the PMMA has stood for generations, guiding young Filipinos toward the sea and back home," he said.The president said the class name "Salighitang" reflected the values expected of every PMMA graduate. He said that "salig" means trust and symbolizes a guiding light, while "hirang" means chosen, representing role models for future generations of midshipmen.The graduating class consists of 327 midshipmen - 146 from the Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation and 181 from the Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering.Midshipman 1st Class Mark Owen Trilles of Tigaon, Camarines Sur, is the class valedictorian.A Philippine Coast Guard scholar, Trilles earned the distinction through perseverance and academic excellence after entering the academy on his third attempt.Marcos recalled that the country's maritime education and certification syste​m had recently faced a major challenge that threatened the jobs of thousands of Filipino seafarers."Not too long ago, our maritime education and certification standards came under a serious challenge," he said.He said the livelihoods of around 50,000 Filipino seafarers working aboard European Union-registered vessels were placed at risk."We could not allow the future of our Filipino seafarers to be placed at risk. That is why your government acted immediately," Marcos said.The president also emphasized that the government's responsibility extends beyond ensuring compliance with international standards.He said that many Filipino seafarers continue to navigate conflict-affected areas, including parts of the Middle East, making their safety and welfare a continuing priority for the administration."In this difficult situation, your safety and welfare remain our priority. Your government will always be within reach, ready to help," he said.