The passing of Republic Act 9993, also known as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Law of 2009, has solidified the powers and functions of PCG as an integral agency of the government engaged in various maritime services in the country. To keep abreast with this significant development and measure up to the myriad challenges demanded by its new-found stature, PCG is continuously professionalizing its ranks through a dynamic and responsive training program.

Along this line and to perpetuate the long-revered traditions and ceremonies in uniformed armed services, the Coast Guard Education and Training Command (CGETC) is holding a special yet solemn joint Incorporation and Recognition Rites for the Coast Guard Officer’s Course Class 11-10 and Coastguardsman’s Course Class 19-10 on 26 March 2011, 8:00 AM at Coast Guard Base Taguig, Taguig City with the Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard, Admiral Wilfredo D. Tamayo PCG as the Guest of Honor.

This joint activity will be the first of its kind wherein both trainees from the Candidate Officers and Candidate Coastguardsmen will compose the Honor Guard Battalion and parading contingent in brigade-size formation to showcase the traditional ceremonies, military parade and review apart from the incorporation and recognition rites proper. This is one of the endeavors being undertaken by the CGETC as part of its transformative training program implemented through the sterling leadership of Commodore Joel S Garcia PCG, H.D Al-Haj.

Both events signal the culmination of the “Boot Camp” of the two (2) Basic Coast Guard courses, manifesting that they have been developed physically and mentally in accordance with the rigorous standards that a true Coastguardsman should be in service of the maritime public. This also signals the start of the grueling academic which is  part of their educational training in order for them to be technically equipped and proficient in Coast Guard matters, that shall redound to an optimum and quality maritime service to the people.

The CGOC Class 11-10 and CGMC Class 19-10 were convened last December 10, 2010 with an original number of 54 and 436, respectively. The PCG is in continuous aggressive recruitment and responsive training to beef up and enhance the modest present number of Coast Guard personnel who are tasked to safeguard our vast coastal waters by ensuring safe, clean and secure maritime environment.