By MARTIN A. SADONGDONG
First Lady Marie Louise "Liza" Araneta Marcos joined the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Auxiliary (PCGA) on Tuesday, July 16, as she hopes to inspire the Filipinos to serve the country.
PCG spokesperson Rear Adm. Armando Balilo said that the wife of President Marcos Jr. was given an honorary rank of vice admiral, or a three-star rank.
The ceremonial pinning of rank insignia was held onboard BRP Gabriela Silang, a PCG offshore patrol vessel, in Pier 13, Manila.
It was led by PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan and attended by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Sec. Jaime Bautista and one of Marcos’ sons, William Vincent, the youngest among the three siblings.
According to Balilo, the First Lady thanked the PCG for its crucial role in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The PCG is at the forefront of the country's defense of its rights in the disputed waters.
“I [joined] the PCG to inspire the men and women of the organization as they fulfill its duty to the country,” Marcos was quoted as saying by Balilo.
Captain Larence Roque, of the BRP Gabriela Silang, gave Marcos a brief background of the ship, its capabilities and mission during the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Gavan shared how Marcos can help the PCGA as a "reinforcement" as her "mere presence exudes strength and compassion that drive actions and inspire results."
"Recently, the First Lady has participated in the rehabilitation of the Pasig River, which is in tune with the PCG's efforts to preserve our rivers and seas. Like the Philippine Coast Guard, the First Lady embodies the highest ideals of service, dedication, and patriotism, and does so with unmatched grace and sophistication," Gavan said.
Meanwhile, Gavan noted that the PCGA has provided invaluable support to Filipino communities in times of need.
"The PCGA has always been a steadfast partner of the PCG in its mission of promoting the safety of life and property at sea, preserving the marine environment, conducting maritime search and rescue, and such other activities that enhance maritime community relations," he added.
The PCGA serves as the volunteer civilian counterpart of the PCG.
It is tasked to assist and support in carrying out the PCG's mandate of saving lives and property at sea.
It is the first time that a First Lady of the Republic of the Philippines joined the PCG Auxiliary force, according to Balilo.
Aside from being a seasoned lawyer and litigator, the First Lady is also a veteran educator and a strong advocate of education, culture and arts, the PCG spokesman added.