10/06/2026
San Narciso, Zambales
The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) traces its roots to the Escuela Náutica de Manila, founded on April 5, 1820. It is the oldest maritime institution in the Philippines.Originally located in Intramuros, Manila, the school was renamed the Philippine Nautical School during the American occupation. In 1963, Republic Act No. 3680 converted it into the PMMA, allowing it to confer Bachelor of Science degrees. After various moves (including locations in Pasay City and Fort Bonifacio), the PMMA finally transferred in February 1998 to its massive, 60-hectare permanent campus in San Narciso, Zambales.While there is no PMMA campus in San Marcelino (the municipality just southeast of San Narciso), the academy is a major fixture of the Zambales province, training officers for the merchant marine, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Coast Guard.
