The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy has been through various adversities in its 203 years of maritime excellence. Among the notable and strategic achievements for the economy and defense during the Royal Decree under the Spanish government as Escuela Nautica de Manila, the Academy continuously proved to take the leap towards development and innovation despite all the trials and sacrifices encountered. Mandated by Republic Act 3680 signed by the late President Diosdado P. Macapagal, PMMA strongly contributes to the Philippine economic development and resiliency in Maritime Education and Training.

Over the years, PMMA unceasingly produced well-qualified and competent merchant marine, naval and coastguard officers. Needless to say, we strenuously strengthened its education and quality system even through digital transformation. We have showcased the Philippines with Maritime Education and Training which responded to the call of Education 4.0. Additionally, our College of Marine Transportation and College of Marine Engineering continues to move upwards in the realm of Maritime in anticipation with the standards of European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). And as a response, a joint collaboration with CHED, MARINA, and PAMI was conducted for the development of standardized curriculum in pursuant to STCW Convention. We also enhanced our bachelor’s degree program of study to STCW+ Curriculum and it was already approved by the PMMA Governing Board. Furthermore, a Multi-Role Training Vessel was submitted and proposed to enhance the training skills and standards; increase the maritime manpower of the Philippines; and improve the shipboard opportunities for women.

With its goals and objectives to transform the applicants from civilian to disciplined midshipmen, various initiatives were led and coordinated in pursuit of greater heights in student growth and achievements. We have involved our cadets in different extra-curricular activities and extension services in which they have received remarkable recognition and awards such as participation in regional, national and international Competitions; National Conventions; State University and College (SUC) Fairs; and Community involvement through outreach programs, tree planting Activity, and Coastal Clean-up.

For the past four years, the increase of student applications and enrollment was not consistent due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. There was a decrease of -42.43% in the takers of the entrance examination of Class 2024 and a -2.93% in the enrollment for the year 2020. But, with all these uncertainties we continuously rise above all and endure every circumstances. In this regard, we have improved the entrance examination of Class 2026 by 90.65% on and 20% in the enrollment for the Academic year 2022. Subsequently, the Academy still ensures 100% employment rate upon graduation through immediate hiring by more than forty-three (43) major global shipping and manning companies. And also, the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard have reinforced its memorandum of agreement for their cadetship program.

As we adhere on meeting the highest standards of client satisfaction amidst the ever-changing maritime developments, the Academy is paving its way towards a new era in the country’s maritime education through complex challenging innovations.  Moreover, we have improved several essential operations which are indispensable to the delivery of PMMA’s mandate: (a) Creation and approval of the PMMA Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan; (b) Implementation of Smart Campus Program; (c) Expansion of PMMA-Cagayan de Oro Campus (c) Approved PMMA Rationalization Program for Organization and Staffing Standards Phase I; (d) Additional Funding for Capacity Building Development on Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight; (e) New and re-established agreements with government agencies,  various shipping companies, local and international academic institutions.

And on my 2^nd term as Superintendent, we will vigorously continue to assert the legacy we have started, OUR TRADITIONS, UNIQUE MANDATE, AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS.   We are strongly committed to make the best and continue its compliance in contributing to the advancement of Maritime Education and training in the country. Nonetheless, we will always continue to look towards its future for Education 4.0 and for the future MARITIME LEADERS. We have grown, learned, and adapted all the profound changes. In many ways, we’ve been fortunate to have such a strong foundation that cares and supports deeply for PMMA.

Concluded with all these significant feats portrayed by the excellent image of a professional seafarer armored by the performances of its graduates and personnel, we encourage everyone to join and witness us in our journey for development in academic and maritime leadership excellence up to year 2033.

COMMO JOEL Y ABUTAL PMMA
Superintendent