Philippine Merchant Marine Academy HC 2026

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Testimonial Parade | Awarding | Turn over Ceremony | Grand Raffle

As part of the afternoon program for the PMMA 206th Grand Alumni Homecoming in San Narciso, Zambales, hush falls over the parade grounds as PMMA Cadets perform their silent drill—steps synchronized, movements sharp, a display of discipline and honor reflecting the academy’s maritime legacy. Then, as Assistant Secretary Jerome T. Pampolina of the Department of Migrant Workers arrives he warmly received by Academy Superintendent Commodore Joel Y. Abutal and other PMMA executives.

INDUSTRY LOOKOUT: SAN NARCISO, ZAMBALES — The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) celebrated its 206th Grand Alumni Homecoming on Jan. 24, 2026, at its San Narciso campus in Zambales. The milestone event brought together generations of graduates, serving as a testament to an institution that has stood as a bastion of maritime excellence since its founding in 1820.

PMMA is the premier maritime institution in the Philippines. Its legacy, spanning more than two centuries, symbolizes the nation’s resilience and pivotal role in global trade. Since its founding as the Escuela Nautica de Manila, PMMA has set the standard for excellence.

The homecoming showcased PMMA’s unwavering commitment to producing world-class officers who command and manage vessels worldwide. During the celebration, attendees witnessed the unveiling of the Globe Marker. This symbolic installation reaffirms that PMMA graduates serve as the heartbeat of the international merchant marine fleet.

Navigating a changing world

The anniversary and homecoming highlighted PMMA’s commitment to excellence while evolving with shifts in the industry. As the maritime world undergoes significant global changes—including decarbonization, automation, and digital transformation—the academy remains at the forefront, ensuring its officers are prepared to lead in a greener and more technologically advanced world.

Leadership and fellowship

Festivities were led by PMMA Superintendent Commodore Joel Abutal, PMMA Alumni President PCGA Commodore Jeremias Simon, MNSA, and Host Class Chairman Arnold B. Javier (Class 1991). The main event was preceded by fellowship activities, including a family movie night, a marksmanship fun shoot at the PCG range, and the "Battle of the Bunkmates" golf competition.

The homecoming began with a welcome ceremony for the guest, Department of Health Assistant Secretary Atty. Christian Lell M. Saquilabon and concluded with a program featuring Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, represented by Assistant Secretary Atty. Jerome Pampolina.

Highlights included recognition of long-serving PMMA employees who have dedicated their lives to the academy’s mission. A parade of midshipmen and a silent drill performance were held at the PMMA Parade Ground.

From its roots in 1820 to its standing in 2026, PMMA continues to prove that while shipping technology changes, the excellence, discipline, and bond of its graduates endure.

The official morning program opened with a color presentation by Philippine Merchant Marine Academy cadets at PMMA Mess Hall. PMMA Superintendent Commodore Joel Y. Abutal delivered opening remarks; organizers offered a welcome address and introduced Guest of Honor and Speaker Commodore Jeremias M. Simon, president of PMMA Alumni Association Inc. Atty. Christian Lel M. Saqilabon, assistant secretary of the Department of Health, delivered an inspirational message on behalf of Secretary Teodoro J. Herebosa.

Key outcomes included a memorandum of agreement signed by PMMA, the Department of Health and PMMA Alumni Association Inc.; three paintings donated by Engr. Jose Antonio Portillo Corpas, president of HISPAULT Association; recognition of PMMA Mess Unit personnel; and oathtaking of adopted members led by alumni leaders. Post-ceremony events featured raffles—including a MOL DP Training prize—a luncheon and official photo opportunity at the Boulder with sponsors and exhibitors.

The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association, Inc. 206th Grand Alumni Homecoming was held on January 24, 2026 at the PMMA campus in San Narciso, Zambales, themed "Through Tides and Time: 206 Years of Excellence in the Maritime Industry."

Philippine Merchant Marine Academy - PMMAOfficial

📸 IN PHOTOS: PMMA 206th Grand Alumni Homecoming | Wreath Laying Ceremony and Arrival Honors

The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy marked its 206th Grand Alumni Homecoming with distinguished ceremonies held at the PMA Grounds in San Narciso, Zambales.

The event featured a formal wreath laying ceremony and arrival honors, with esteemed guests in attendance including Department of Health Assistant Secretary Atty. Lel M. Saqilabon and Department of Migrant Workers Assistant Secretary Atty. Jerome T. Pampolina. They were joined by PMMA Superintendent Joel Y. Abutal and PMMA Alumni Association President Commo. Jeremias Simon, who stood together in solemn observance of the occasion. The homecoming proceedings were led by Galleonaire Arnold Javier, whose leadership guided the successful ex*****on of the day's events.

The gathering exemplified the academy's core values of excellence, camaraderie, and institutional pride that unite the PMMA community across generations. ⚓🇵🇭

📸 IN PHOTOS: PMMA 206th GRAND ALUMNI HOMECOMING | Registration and Holy Mass

Philippine Merchant Marine Academy alumni came together on January 24, 2020 at the PMMA Grounds in San Narciso, Zambales to mark this special milestone.

The day began with registration, where graduates from different batches reunited and shared stories of their journey since leaving the academy. A solemn Holy Mass followed, uniting everyone in prayer as they paid tribute to PMMA and the values it instilled in each of them. ⚓🇵🇭

PMMA ALUMNI REUNITE

Graduates of the country’s premier government-run maritime institution, the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA), converged today for this year’s Grand Alumni Homecoming at the academy’s campus in San Narciso, .

Spearheaded by host class chairperson Arnold Javier, the gathering was more than a tradition, celebrating Galleoners’ shared heritage, enduring brotherhood and the long blue line that unites PMMAers across generations. | Raffy Ayeng

PMMA ALUMNI REUNITE

Graduates of the country’s premier government-run maritime institution, the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA), converged today for this year’s Grand Alumni Homecoming at the academy’s campus in San Narciso, .

Spearheaded by host class chairperson Arnold Javier, the gathering was more than a tradition, celebrating Galleoners’ shared heritage, enduring brotherhood and the long blue line that unites PMMAers across generations. | Raffy Ayeng

Huge thanks to our GOLD SPONSOR – BDO! 🥇

Your support was the backbone of PMMA Grand Alumni Homecoming 2026. From planning through to ex*****on, you stood with us every step of the way.

Your active participation brought great energy to the celebration – your team engaged with alumni, contributed to logistics, and joined in the festivities. Every bit of help made a real difference.

We’re grateful for your partnership and commitment to our PMMA community! 🥂

Huge thanks to our GOLD SPONSOR – Magsaysay Maritime Corporation! 🥇

Your support was the backbone of PMMA Grand Alumni Homecoming 2026. From planning through to ex*****on, you stood with us every step of the way.

Your active participation brought great energy to the celebration – your team engaged with alumni, contributed to logistics, and joined in the festivities. Every bit of help made a real difference.

We’re grateful for your partnership and commitment to our PMMA community! 🥂

Huge thanks to our GOLD SPONSOR – Multinational Maritime, Inc.!🥇

Your support was the backbone of PMMA Grand Alumni Homecoming 2026. From planning through to ex*****on, you stood with us every step of the way.

Your active participation brought great energy to the celebration – your team engaged with alumni, contributed to logistics, and joined in the festivities. Every bit of help made a real difference.

We’re grateful for your partnership and commitment to our PMMA community! 🥂