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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Breaking barriers! PCG names first female spokesperson in 123 years

Breaking barriers! PCG names first female spokesperson in 123 years

Published Apr 20, 2025 05:36 am
Captain Noemie Guirao-Cayabyab.jpg
Captain Noemie Guirao-Cayabyab (Photo: Philippine Coast Guard)

Remember her name: Captain Noemie Guirao-Cayabyab, of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The PCG installed on Easter Sunday, April 20, Captain Cayabyab as its first ever female spokesperson in the agency's entire 123-year history.

Cayabyab replaced Commodore Algier Ricafrente, who had been in the post for nearly seven months, or since September 27, 2024.

"The steady rise of women in leadership positions in the PCG is the culmination of decades of perseverance, shattering glass ceilings, and breaking barriers in the 21st century," said PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan.

"Beginning today, she will lead communications on PCG’s key initiatives, represent the organization in national and global conversations, and amplify the organizational efforts towards a more diverse and empowered future," he added.

Who is Captain Cayabyab?

Gavan described Cayabyab's apppintment as "historic" and "an empowering milestone" for the PCG.

Cayabyab, who hails from Romblon, is a member of the Coast Guard Officer Course "SANDIWA" Class 07-05.

Prior to the designation, she was serving as the PCG's Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Education and Training (CG-12).

The PCG said that Cayabyab is a highly accomplished officer with a distinguished career in maritime safety, security, and personnel management.

She held several key leadership roles within the PCG including commanding the Vessel Safety Service Unit, where she oversaw the review and approval of the now updated Pre-Departure Inspection Checklist for domestic vessels.

She also pioneered the establishment of the Pension and Gratuity Management Center now known as the Retirement and Benefits Administration Service (RBAS), the unit within the PCG that is responsible for managing the retirement and benefits of its personnel.

She also held significant positions in the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog and Coast Guard Education, Training, and Doctrine Command (CGETDC).

Academically, Captain Cayabyab has demonstrated excellence as she consistently earned Dean’s List honors during her undergraduate studies.

She further distinguished herself by receiving the Dean’s Award for outstanding achievement in her Master of Policy Studies in Maritime Safety and Security Policy at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in Tokyo, Japan in 2021, where she was the only Filipina and Coast Guard officer in her class to receive the prestigious recognition.

Additionally, she served as the head of Regional Incident Command System CADRE for CALABARZON, a structured team designed to manage disasters and emergencies on a regional level.

"With her professional endeavor and countless achievements rooted in excellence, Captain Cayabyab PCG bears a symbol of dedication, strength and impact — qualities that make her a natural fit for this trailblazing role," Gavan said of Cayabyab.

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