PNoy attends PMMA graduation

President Benigno S. Aquino III graced the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy's 189th commencement exercises, Wednesday, at the PMMA Complex, San Narciso, Zambales.

He awarded diplomas to 111 marine transportation, 121 marine engineering and nine master's degree graduates. Aquino also conferred several awards and citations to student achievers.

The chief executive was joined by Transportation and Communication secretary Manuel Roxas II, Commission on Higher Education chair Patricia Licuanan, Philippine Navy Flag officer-in-command VADM Alexander Pama, Philippine Coast Guard commandant VADM Edmund Tan, Second District representative Jun Omar Ebdane and local government executives, headed by Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr.

Founded as a school for merchant marine officers, the PMMA stands as one of the oldest and most illustrious institutions in the Philippines today.

Originally known as Escuela Nautica de Manila, it was created by virtue of a Royal Decree issued on January 1, 1820 through the recommendation of the Spanish Consulate of Commerce.

In the 1987 Administrative Code, issued by then Pres. Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, the PMMA was made as an attached agency of the Department of Transportation and Communication.

In 1997, the PMMA was also placed under the direct control and supervision of the Commission on Higher Education, at the same time maintaining its attached status with the DOTC.

Today, the PMMA stands as a pillar among maritime institutions in the country. It has developed the Quality Standard System in compliance with the requirements of the 1995 International Convention on Seafarer's Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping and the Policies, Standards and Guidelines for Maritime Education of CHED. - PIA — ARA