PHILIPPINE Navy Flag Officer In Command Vice Admiral Adeluis Bordado witnessed the 199th Commencement Exercises for the ‘MASIDLAYAG’ Class 2022 of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Saturday at the PMMA Complex.

Bordado was with Commodore Alfonso Torres, deputy commander of Naval Education, Training, and Doctrine Command, during the ceremony.

During the graduation rites, Bordado bestowed the Philippine Navy Saber to BS Marine Engineering graduate Probationary Ensign Christian Joseph Criste in recognition of his achievement as among the top cadets of his class joining the Navy.

Aside from Criste, two other graduates joining the Navy in P/ENS Shayne Rose Cuevas and P/ENS Braille Martin Manodon were recognized for embodying the ideals and core values of naval profession, and heeding the call to serve the maritime nation with new professional knowledge, skills, and dedication.

‘MASIDLAYAG’ Class 2022 which stands for ‘Mandaragat ng Silanganan na may Dangal Upang Maglayag at Gumabay sa Inang Bayan’ is composed of 114 cadets who successfully and satisfactorily hurdled their training, and are now ready to fulfill their roles as merchant marine, naval and coast guard officers, respectively.

The Navy is among the destinations of young merchant marine officers should they opt to join the officer corps in active duty with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The command welcomes graduates who will be joining the naval service as the organization continues its pursuit to become a modern, multi-capable naval force.

Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. served as guest of honor and speaker of the graduation rites also attended by distinguished guests from both the local and provincial government of Zambales.