The 29th Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, CG Admiral Artemio M Abu, formally retires after over 35 years of public service today, 19 October 2023.

CG Admiral Abu said he considered the greatest honor to serve the country with his fellow Coast Guardians that RADIATES – Responsible, Accountable, Disciplined, Inspiring, Able, Team players, and Servant leaders – which played a crucial part in developing a culture of respect and excellence within the PCG.

"I will not dare take the credit for all these accomplishments. It is the work of the entire Philippine Coast Guard family... We sparked hope... because we used our basic senses in providing the quality service they deserve," CG Admiral Abu noted.

"... the head to understand people, the eyes to see their plight, the ears to listen to them, the hands to help them, and the heart to love them without reservations," he furthered.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista graced his retirement ceremony at the National Headquarters, Port Area, Manila.

"I am lucky and grateful he was at the helm of the Coast Guard when I became Transportation Secretary. His unqualified support enabled me to understand the Coast Guard’s complex nature. Art made my job a lot easier," Secretary Bautista said.

"My advice to Art is to give more quality time to Carlota and their two sons and two daughters," he added.

"If those professed relationships among colleagues and friends are to remain intact after Art’s retirement, let us support him in becoming a farmer, a community organizer, and a social worker," the Transportation Secretary concluded.

CG Admiral Abu is a proud member of the PMA "Tanglaw-Diwa" Class of 1992. He completed his master's in Marine Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Recognizing his outstanding service to the nation, the PMA bestowed the "DANGAL NG AKADEMYA" award to the 29th PCG Commandant.

The CG Admiral Abu was also a distinguished "Cavalier Awardee for 2021" in the field of Coast Guard Operations – the highest honor bestowed upon a PMA graduate who excelled in one's career.

Before becoming PCG Commandant, he served as Commanding Officer of various Coast Guard ships, earning the most coveted COMMAND AT SEA BADGE.

CG Admiral Abu also led the PCG Task Force Taal, Coast Guard District Southern Visayas, Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog, Coast Guard Education Training and Doctrine Command, and Coast Guard Ready Force.

The honoree is married to Mrs. Carlota Vergara Abu of Luta Norte, Malvar, Batangas, and blessed with four children: Kevin Paul, Kariza, Kurt Patrick, and Karina Paula.