PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urged the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy graduates to serve the nation with dedication and to bring honor to the country.

“Dalawang daang taon ng paghahanda at pagbibigay direksyon sa mga kabataang Pilipino na tatawid sa dagat upang maglingkod at magdala ng dangal sa ating bayan. Sa loob ng mahigit dalawang siglo, ilang libo na ang mga marinong hinubog ng PMMA sa iba’t ibang parte ng mundo,” Marcos said during the commencement exercises of the PMMA Kadaligtan Class of 2025.

“Sa bawat pagtatapos, mayroong bagong angkan ng mga magpapatuloy ng pamana ng institusyong ito. Ngayon, kayo ang bagong henerasyon,” he added.

The Chief Executive said the 252 graduates will serve either in the Philippine Navy or the Coast Guard, while others will join the merchant marine.

Marcos also announced plans for a National Merchant Marine Aptitude Test to assess whether young people are prepared to pursue maritime courses in college.

The government aims to establish a Ladderized Maritime Education and Training Program to ensure continuous development across both non-degree and degree programs.