“The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Auxiliary is our secret weapon.”
This was the remark of PCG Commandant, Admiral George Ursabia Jr. during the oath-taking of 43 new PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) members of District Western Visayas held in Iloilo City last Jan. 27.
In the Coast Guard’s Facebook post on Friday, Ursabia expressed his gratitude to the PCGA for supporting the timely delivery of essential goods and services during national emergencies, including the nationwide community quarantine and strong typhoons that affected thousands of Filipino families last year.
"The PCGA has been our force multiplier. I have been saying that the PCGA is our secret weapon and we have proven that many times, especially in this time of pandemic," he said.
Meanwhile, PCGA Commodore Ronald Raymund Sebastian assured the Coast Guard commandant of their strong commitment to advance the Coast Guard mandate.
"The Coast Guard Auxiliary District Western Visayas continues to provide full support to all endeavors of the PCG, as we strive to uphold the tenets of the organization and remain committed to saving lives and serving the nation," Sebastian said.
Under Republic Act No. 9993 or the PCG Law of 2009, the PCGA shall assist the PCG in the promotion of safety of life and property at sea, preservation of the marine environment and its resources, conduct of maritime search and rescue, and maintenance of aids to navigation.
They will also perform humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.