Marcos directs PMMA to boost maritime efforts amid WPS tensions

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. directed the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) to take proactive steps in supporting maritime efforts amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea on Friday.

During his visit to PMMA's facilities in San Narciso, Zambales, Marcos inspected a P40-million Full Mission Ship Handling Simulator and witnessed a reenactment of the BRP Suluan incident.

The President also noted recent partnerships between PMMA and companies such as Kpler Singapore for real-time vessel tracking solutions and Quanby Solutions for military-grade aerial drones to enhance surveillance capabilities.

Marcos emphasized his commitment that Philippine assets would never back down, following a Chinese vessel's use of a water cannon against a Philippine ship in the West Philippine Sea.

The PMMA is collaborating with the Department of Science and Technology on a feasibility study for an innovative 'bangka drone' project to secure future funding and deployment.