President Duterte heaped praises on Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Admiral Leopoldo Laroya after his more than 38 years of service to the country and as the Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in the past five months officially came to a close.
In a simple ceremony for his retirement, Duterte sent a video message where he commended Laroya’s devotion and passion in serving the Filipinos, and in leading the PCG.
“I recognize the efforts of outgoing PCG Commandant Laroya for the commitment you have shown to improve the capabilities of PCG,” said Duterte in a taped video message shown during Laroya's retirement ceremony at the PCG Headquarters in Manila on Thursday, Feb. 10.
“Thank you for protecting our seas and ensuring the security of our maritime industry. May this occasion further strengthen the PCG as it goes into a transition in leadership amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade appointed Vice Admiral Eduardo D. Fabricante as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officer-in-charge following the retirement of Laroya.
Fabricante is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1989.
Fabricante served as Coast Guard Deputy Commandant for Operations before his appointment as the PCG OIC.
Tugade, who presided over the ceremony, also acknowledged Laroya’s contributions not only to the PCG but also to the country.
For his part, Laroya expressed his gratitude to Duterte for giving him the opportunity to serve and lead the Coast Guard.
“After 38 years, 10 months, and 10 days or just close to 39 years of government service, I now bow out in service with pride in knowing I have served my country well," he said.
"Though it’s just a short stint in five months, I consider it the most gratifying position and the culmination of my career in the uniform service. To President Duterte, Senator Bong Go, and Secretary Tugade, thank you for the trust and confidence you have bestowed on me," he added.
Before he became the 28th Commandant of the Coast Guard, Laroya served as the Deputy Commandant for Operations and Commander of Maritime Safety Services Command, Coast Guard Education, Training and Doctrine Command, and Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Command.
He also served as the District Commander at PCG District Western Visayas, PCG District Northwestern Luzon, PCG District Southwestern Mindanao, PCG District NCR - Central Luzon, and PCG District Bicol.