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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers a speech at the contract signing of the construction for the Metro Manila Subway Project’s (MMSP) Quezon Avenue and East Avenue Station, as well as the Anonas and Camp Aguinaldo stations. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/Pool


Article (news)

Harlene Delgado

ABS-CBN News

<div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784270130914748763662_1934354151164451_3162345603459430706_n.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"> A total of 327 midshipmen of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) Salighirang Class of 2026 graduate this Friday, July 17, in San Narciso, Zambales. <em>Harlene Delgado, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></div><p>SAN NARCISO, Zambales — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told the newly graduated cadets of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) that the safety and welfare of Filipino seafarers are his administration’s priority especially those traversing conflict areas specifically Middle East.</p><p>Marcos Jr. was the guest of honor at the PMMA Salighirang Class of 2026 commencement exercises Friday, July 17 in San Narciso, Zambales.</p><p>“Many of our seafarers continue to travel through uncertain waters, including the areas affected by conflict especially now in the Middle East,” the commander-in-chief said in his speech.</p><p>“In this difficult situation, your safety and welfare remain our priority. Your government will always be within reach, ready to help,” he added.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/7/14/marcos-urges-more-renewables-as-he-inaugurates-mterra-solar-plant-1620">Marcos urges more investments in renewables as he inaugurates MTerra Solar plant</a></div><p>Marcos Jr. also took pride on thousands of Filipino seafarers across the world, calling them “the most trusted mariners in the world.&quot; </p><p>“You are respected because you consistently show competence, professionalism, dedication. More importantly, you have earned the trust of the international community,” he noted.</p><p>The chief executive also vowed to &quot;continue safeguard the global employability of Filipino seafarers.&quot;</p><p>This, as he recalled the &quot;serious challenge&quot; the Philippine maritime industry faced back in 2022 where around 50,000 Filipino seafarers working in European vessels were at risk of losing their jobs because of the country&#x27;s repeated failure to pass the European Maritime Safety Agency.</p><p>“We could not allow the future of our Filipino seafarers to be placed in such a situation. And that is why your government acted immediately,” Marcos Jr. said. </p><p>The President took note that in response, the Philippines strengthened maritime education and training, improved certification systems, upgraded facilities and equipment, and worked closely with international partners to ensure that Philippine standards continue to meet global expectations.</p><p>This year’s class was composed of 327 midshipmen — 146 from the College of Marine Transportation (BSMT) and 181 from the College of Marine Engineering (BSMarE).</p><p>Twenty-one students of the PMMA graduate school also received their diplomas.</p><p>This year’s valedictorian is Midshipman First Class Mark Owen Trilles, 25, of Tigaon, Camarines Sur.</p><div> </div><div><strong>OTHER NEWS</strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6Udc_ykqCzQ?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></strong><br/></div>

<p>President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told the newly graduated cadets of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy that the safety and welfare of Filipino seafarers are his administration’s priority especially those traversing conflict areas specifically Middle East.</p>

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told the newly graduated cadets of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy that the safety and welfare of Filipino seafarers are his administration’s priority especially those traversing conflict areas specifically Middle East.

Filipino seafarers' safety, welfare in conflict areas 'priority' of gov't—Marcos

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Filipino seafarers' safety, welfare in conflict areas 'priority' of gov't—Marcos

Harlene Delgado,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 17, 2026 03:51 PM PHT

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Ferdinand Marcos Jr

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