PMMA unveils historical marker in Intramuros

PMMA unveils historical marker in Intramuros
Yashika F. Torib December 9, 2020 https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/12/09/business/maritime-business/pmma-u...

Rene Escalante (right) of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and Commodore Joel Abutal, PMMA Superintendent PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PMMA
The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy’s (Pmma) Bicentennial Historical Marker was unveiled in Pavilion dela Castellana in Intramuros Manila last Thursday, December 3, in commemoration of the academy’s 200th founding anniversary.

The unveiling was led by Rene Escalante and Alvin Alcid of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Dumagoso, Pmma president Joel Abutal, Intramuros Administrator Guiller Asido, and Pavilion dela Castellana president Andres Chua.

Pmma was originally established in 1820 at the site where the former Consulado de Comercio building in Calle Cabildo stood.

The maritime school, initially named Escuela Nautica de Manila, was formed through a royal decree issued by King Ferdinand VII of Spain. It was intended to produce Filipino mariners and hone their navigational skills.

The first classes were held on April 5, 1820 and since then, have educated distinguished alumni like Marcelo Azcarrage who later became a prime minister of Spain, and Juan Luna, one of the country’s greatest painters.