PCGA Marks 40th National Convention, Honors Coast Guard Service

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By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary opened their 40th National Convention on Friday, April 25, at the Iloilo Convention Center, gathering around 1,300 delegates nationwide to celebrate volunteerism, patriotism, and maritime service.

The two-day event, hosted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary District Western Visayas, carries the theme “Empowering Volunteers: 53 Years of Patriotism, Courage, Good Governance, and Altruism in Partnership with the PCG.”

The district, with more than 4,600 members, plays a vital role in supporting the PCG’s missions on maritime safety and community service.

In his keynote speech, Department of Transportation Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon emphasized the timeliness of the theme, recalling the steadfast service of the PCG and PCGA, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The theme is very fitting,” Dizon said. “It speaks of the values of both the PCG and PCGA—volunteerism and altruism—meaning service without regard for self-preservation, only for the national interest and the welfare of fellow Filipinos.”

Dizon commended the organizations for risking their lives at the height of the pandemic when most of the country was under lockdown.

“That is what I saw in our Coast Guards, day in and day out, during the most trying times,” he said.

He expressed deep gratitude to all PCG and PCGA members and officers, while underscoring the evolving challenges faced along the country’s maritime frontiers.

“Much work still lies ahead,” he said. “There will be more challenges, especially on our western shores, and the PCG and PCGA are always there—protecting our territories and serving beyond expectations.”

Dizon assured the organization of his full support, emphasizing that it will remain a priority under his leadership at the Department of Transportation.

A highlight of the convention was the awarding of the PCGA Dolphin Plaques and Badges, recognizing members for two decades or more of exceptional service.

• AUX COMMO Jeffrey Yu PCGA
• AUX COMMO Ludwig Amandoron PCGA
• AUX COMMO Ma Teresa Sarabia PCGA
• AUX CAPT Eric Punzalan PCGA
• AUX CAPT Manuel Bercilla PCGA
• AUX CAPT Peter Fung PCGA
• AUX CAPT Ramon Lim PCGA
• AUX CAPT Manuel Yu PCGA
• AUX CAPT Ireneo Bughao PCGA
• AUX CAPT Edgardo Cagalitan PCGA
• AUX CAPT Carlito Chua PCGA
• AUX CAPT Patricia Manejero PCGA
• AUX CAPT Claudio Schoch PCGA
• AUX CAPT Rex Castañeda PCGA
• AUX CAPT Marjorie Rasay PCGA

Lectures and knowledge-sharing sessions are scheduled for the second day, offering delegates opportunities to discuss best practices, address emerging challenges, and share innovations in maritime safety and community service.

The sessions aim to strengthen PCGA’s capacity-building efforts and reinforce its commitment to national development through volunteerism and collaboration.

Among the distinguished guests were Deputy National Director for Operations PCGA AUX RADM Manolita T. Faelnar; PCG Commandant ADM Ronnie Gil Gavan; Deputy Commandant for Operations VADM Edgar Ybañez; PCGA National Director AUX VADM Jorge G. Lim; Deputy National Director for Administration AUX RADM Ronald Raymond Sebastian; and PCG Chief of Coast Guard Staff CG RADM Hostillo Arturo Cornelio.

The convention was made possible with the support of sponsors and partners, co-presented by Standard Insurance, with Kaiser Health Group Inc. as platinum sponsor, and Daily Guardian as official media partner.