Executive Secretary Ralph Recto joins the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary on Feb. 27, 2026. (Photo courtesy of OES)
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has joined the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) as an auxiliary vice admiral.
Recto received the rank during his donning and oath-taking ceremony on Friday, Feb. 27, aboard BRP Teresa Magbanua.
“As I don this uniform that now rests on my shoulders, I do so with humility, with duty, and with responsibility. This is not a cosplay, but a commitment,” he said.
“Sisiguraduhin natin ang ating mga karagatan. Susuportahan natin ang ating Coast Guard. At ipagtatanggol natin kung ano ang atin (We will ensure the protection of our seas. We will support our Coast Guard. And we will defend what is ours),” he added.
Recto said the honor reflects a broader national effort to strengthen maritime governance as the Philippines expands investments in the PCG.
He highlighted the P42.52-billion allocation for the PCG this year, aimed at boosting manpower, operational readiness, and long-term capability development.
“It forms part of the President’s broader goal: to bridge troubled waters and usher in an era of maritime prosperity,” he said.
The funding will support the recruitment of trained and qualified personnel and the creation of new positions, laying the groundwork for a standing force of 108,867 uniformed personnel — equivalent to three Coast Guardians for every kilometer of the country’s coastline.
Recto said sustained Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) will ensure uninterrupted operations, alongside continued investments in fleet modernization, the construction of a new PCG Headquarters, and the completion of the PCG Hospital.
“With these investments, you will be better positioned as part of our arsenal for peace. It is an arsenal meant to preserve stability and secure harmony at sea and along our shores,” Recto said.
Also inducted into the PCGA Executive Squadron were Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Rolando Toledo, who was conferred the rank of auxiliary rear admiral.
Other officials from the DBM and Office of the Executive Secretary were also conferred the rank of auxiliary commodore.