Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) Superintendent Commodore Joel Y. Abutal said on Saturday, that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vowed stronger government support for the PMMA and the country’s seafarers.
In an exclusive interview on DZRH's Special on Saturday, Abutal said the President's message recognized PMMA’s training and curriculum as being well-adapted to technological changes and the current requirements of international law.
"Ang sabi ng Pangulo ay gagawa pa niya ng paraan para palakasin ang tulong sa PMMA at para mas marami pa tayong matulungan," he added.
He also emphasized that the Academy’s role extends beyond producing seafarers.
"Hindi lang pagmamarino ang ating ipoproduce. Talagang magiging katulad tayo ng mga bansang lumaki ang kanilang capability sa maritime. Because not only seafaring but also other maritime courses like shipbuilding, maritime cybersecurity, logistics and all of those things na kakibat ng paglaki ng economy ng ating bansa," Abutal noted.
Meanwhile, he clarified that contrary to public perception, PMMA is not a private institution but a government-run academy.
“Ang nami-misunderstood ng karamihan ng Philippine Merchant Marine Academy ay isang private maritime institution. Pero ang Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, siya po ang ating pinakamayor na maritime institution. Hindi lang sa Pilipinas kundi tinuturing pati sa Asia because it was established ng mga Kastila pa noong 1820,” said Abutal.
Unlike other government academies, PMMA graduates are not required to serve in government after finishing their studies.
He explained that the PMMA's main objective is to develop well-trained merchant marine officers for both local and international trade.
While, also producing cadets who may serve as officers in the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard.
The official emphasized that the Academy’s graduates strengthen both the economy and national security.
“If we are to look at the big picture objective of PMMA, we are providing for the security, maritime law enforcement because of Coast Guard and Navy manpower provider and for the economy of our merchant marine officers,” he said.
On Friday, August 16, Marcos witnessed a simulation exercise by cadets of the PMMA at the institution’s training center in San Narciso, Zambales.
Using a bridge simulator, the cadets demonstrated an at-sea assistance response as part of the commencement exercises of the PMMA “Kadaligtan” Class of 2025.
The President also inspected the Academy’s defense and security equipment during the event, along with Abutal, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan.
