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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers his statement on his State Visit to India and answers questions on pressing issues during the Kapihan with the Media at the Taj West End in Bengaluru, India, on August 8, 2025, before returning to the Philippines.  Noel Pabalate, PPA pool

Article (news)

MARCOS

Harlene Delgado

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Friday the government would continue to push for the improvement of marine education and training in the country.“Magkakaroon na tayo ng National Merchant Marine Aptitude Test na susukat kung handa na ang ating mga kabataan na kumuha ng mga maritime courses sa kolehiyo,” Marcos said at the commencement exercises of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy’s KADALIGTAN Class of 2025 in San Narciso, Zambales. “Bukod dito, binubuo na rin natin ang Ladderized Maritime Education and Training Program, para tuloy-tuloy naman ang pag-angat mula sa non-degree hanggang sa degree program,” he added.The Maritime Industry Authority is also expanding opportunities for onboard training, he said.  A total of 252 cadets graduated from the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy this year. These include 14 Philippine Navy cadets, 13 Philippine Coast Guard Cadets, and 225 Merchant Marine Cadets.Midshipman First Class Marc John Castañeto, 22, from Nueva Ecija was hailed as the class valedictorian.“The seas are rife with danger. It will test you; it will push you to your limits, but above all, it will shape you into the mariner that you are meant to be,” Marcos told the graduates.The PMMA also has a graduate school, which is the first maritime graduate school in the Philippines.PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan administered the oath of appointment to the cadets.Before attending the graduation rites, Marcos visited the PMMA training center and checked its equipment, such as the 40M Full Mission Bridge Simulator, a modern maritime training system designed to replicate real-world ship navigation and bridge operations.The PMMA partnered with various companies and agencies in a bid to improve its capabilities amid Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea.These include AIS and RADAR marine traffic solutions that enable real-time vessel tracking in strategic waters and military-grade aerial drones and delivered specialized training to enhance surveillance capabilities. The academy added that it was collaborating with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on a feasibility study for the &quot;bangka drone&quot; to support future funding and deployment.<div> </div><div>RELATED STORIES:</div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/7/8/17-filipinos-escape-houthi-attack-in-red-sea-dmw-1149">Houthis attack 2 Filipino-manned vessels; DMW verifying missing, injured seafarers</a> <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/8/1/9-seafarers-held-by-houthis-moved-to-sanaa-dfa-1433"></a><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/8/1/9-seafarers-held-by-houthis-moved-to-sanaa-dfa-1433"></a><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/8/1/9-seafarers-held-by-houthis-moved-to-sanaa-dfa-1433">9 Filipino seafarers held by Houthis moved to Sanaa: DFA</a> </div>

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government would continue to push for the improvement of marine education and training in the country.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government would continue to push for the improvement of marine education and training in the country.

Marcos vows to improve marine education, training in PH

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Marcos vows to improve marine education, training in PH

Harlene Delgado,

ABS-CBN News

Published Aug 15, 2025 12:30 PM PHT

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Updated Aug 15, 2025 01:00 PM PHT

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