The Philippines could become a maritime superpower

PH can be a maritime superpower – PMMA official

Story by The Manila Times
11 May 2024

THE Philippines could become a maritime superpower. This possibility was raised by Commodore Joel Abutal, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) superintendent.

"If we really like to be a maritime superpower, we need to develop other maritime infrastructures, software and hardware in becoming a maritime superpower," Abutal said.

Abutal mentioned that 10 to 20 percent of PMMA graduates went on to serve in the Philippine Navy or the Philippine Coast Guard, while 80 to 90 percent chose to work in the merchant marine.

He stressed that $10 to 12 billion in remittances a year came from merchant marines. "It's big money that can support the economy, even the modernization of our Armed Forces. We would like to make [PMMA] a more productive institution."

He said this could only be achieved if PMMA added more educational programs. Currently, PMMA only had two programs: Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation and Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering, as stated in the charter of the PMMA.

Abutal said PMMA hoped to amend its charter through a bill in Congress which would convert the PMMA into the Philippine National Maritime Academy.

Abutal also revealed that demand for merchant marines was more than the Philippines and other maritime countries could provide.

He said some 89,000 seafarers were needed by international shipping companies. "In our case, we can only supply 220 graduates every year."