iKalinga PMMA cadets embark on probation journey

Tabuk City, Kalinga - With hearts full of hope and pride, at least 65 iKalinga Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) cadets embarked on their much-anticipated probation journey, marking a pivotal step in their maritime careers. 

The cadets bid farewell to their families, friends, and relatives on July 25, 2025 at the Capitol Grounds, Bulanao Tabuk City, as they prepare to face real-world challenges at sea, embodying the values of discipline, resilience, and service.

The trainees were bound to San Narciso, Zambales for their probationary training scheduled to start on August 11 until September 8, which will be the official start of their 4-year journey in the academy. 

The probationary period is a one-month indoctrination and orientation that serves as the final selection for future midshipmen, designed to transform young aspirants into leaders of the Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, and global maritime industry. 

Talking to GURU Press Cordillera, Cadet 3rd Class (3CL) Daniel Victor Bayangan, one of the senior officers, expressed support to his juniors and said that seniors are expected to guide the lower-year cadets, especially when they need help understanding new tasks.

“…yung role as a senior, halimbawa, kung may mga bagay na hindi pa nila alam, puwede silang mag-approach sa amin para alam namin kung anong pwede naming maitulog at maituro sa kanila,” he said.

Other senior officers present during the send-off include 3CL Anatania Lian Penegrino and Dranreb Pacia, among others. 

Meantime, the Provincial Government of Kalinga, headed by Governor James Edduba, wished  the aspiring seafarers good luck and provided the shuttle that ferried them to Zambales.