More than 9,000 personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) were promoted to the next higher rank on Monday, July 4, the single biggest promotion in the history of the organization.
Admiral Artemio Abu, PCG Commandant, presided over the donning and oath-taking ceremony of 9,075 non-officers and 65 officers at the PCG National Headquarters in Port Area, Manila.
The newly promoted non-officers were composed of 19 Master Chief Petty Officers (MCPO); 74 Senior Chief Petty Officers (SCPO); and 256 Chief Petty Officers (CPO). Also included were 431 personnel with the rank of Petty Officer First Class (PO1); 847 personnel with the rank of Petty Officer Second Class (PO2); 787 personnel with the rank of Petty Officer Third Class (PO3); 3,215 personnel with the rank of Seaman First Class (SN1); and 3,446 personnel with the rank of Seaman Second Class (SN2).
Meanwhile, the promoted officers were made up of personnel with ranks of Lieutenant and Lieutenant Junior Grade.
In his speech, Abu said that the mass promotion was a “testimony” of his commitment to make the PCG a “consultative, participatory, and transparent” organization under his leadership.
“Upon consultation, we found out that there are available slots for promotion. There is sufficient funding, the fund utilization for this purpose is justified, and the promotion uplifts the morale of our people,” Abu said.
The PCG said that the promotion of the 9,140 personnel was the “single biggest promotion in PCG history,” and the promotees comprised around 39 percent of the approximately 23,000 Coast Guardians nationwide.
“To our promotees, you are the fuel that keeps the PCG running at its best. We are deeply grateful for your service. You have handled every task with a sense of duty, urgency, and excellence,” he noted.
“This promotion recognizes your hard work and significant contributions to the organization and the nation. More importantly, it reflects the trust that the PCG bestows upon you to take on bigger responsibilities,” he added.
Furthermore, the Coast Guard Commandant challenged the promotees to use their recent achievement to continue serving the people to the best of their abilities.
“Never lose sight of our organization’s purpose: to save lives, ensure safe maritime transport, advocate cleaner seas, and secure the Philippine maritime jurisdiction. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors as Coast Guardians the Filipino people can rely on,” Abu said.