The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has welcomed more than 2,000 newly-appointed applicants on Friday, Sept. 3, as it continuously push for modernization to effectively enforce maritime laws of the country.

During a joint donning and oath-taking ceremonies, over 2,000 newly-appointed applicants took their oath for commissionship and enlistment graced by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade.

Over 2,000 newly-appointed applicants took their oath for commissionship and enlistment graced by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade. (Photo courtesy of the PCG)

Over 2,000 newly-appointed applicants took their oath for commissionship and enlistment graced by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade. (Photo courtesy of the PCG)

Tugade urged PCG personnel to pursue further developments of the “modern Coast Guard.”

At least 124 officers were promoted with the ranks of captain, commander, lieutenant commander, lieutenant junior grade, while 81 newly-commissioned officers with the ranks of lieutenant and ensign.

Meanwhile, a total of 498 enlisted personnel with Petty Officer Second Class (PO2) were also promoted to the next higher rank of Petty Officer First Class (PO1), while 528 enlisted personnel with the rank of Seaman / Seawoman First Class (SN1 / SW1) were promoted to the next higher rank of Petty Officer Third Class (PO3).

Eight PCG Auxiliary members also took their oath to serve the PCG by “offering their time, effort, and resources in the performance of its humanitarian missions and marine environmental protection initiatives.”

The PCG said minimum health standards were strictly observed during the ceremony such as wearing of face masks and face shields, observance of physical distancing, and utilization of virtual conference.

Earlier, the PCG recruitment was given a boost when actress Julia Barreto joined the agency as an auxiliary officer with a rank of Auxiliary Ensign. She joined her boyfriend, Gerald Anderson, who is also an auxiliary officer of the PCG with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

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