The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has honored the Task Force Bayanihan Returning Overseas Filipinos (TFBROF) sub-units and its personnel during the joint awarding and turn-over ceremony of the said TF held at the Coast Guard Base Farola yesterday, 23 March 2022.

A total of 22 TFBROF sub-units have been conferred the AWARD OF COAST GUARD SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL for playing a vital role in the government’s efforts to manage the effect of the COVID–19 in the country detailed as follows: Task Force Command Center, Task Group (TG) Airport One-Stop-Shop (OSS), TG Sea Port Command Center, Integrated Advance Command Post (IACP)-1, IACP-2, IACP-3, IACP-4, IACP-5, IACP-6, Task Unit(TU) Cruise Ship/ Crew Change, TU Hatid Probinsya, TU OSS Bataan and Subic, TU Security, TG Quarantine Facility, TG RT-PCR, TG Resource Management, Logistics, and Administration, TG Bantay Bayanihan, Special Operations Unit- North Western Luzon, Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao, OSS Davao Security and Order, OSS Davao International Airport, and OSS Red Team.

Moreover, CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION was bestowed to the following donors and partner agencies, namely PCG Auxiliary (PCGA), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Regional Office - National Capital Region (NCR), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, OSS One Health Pass, Department of Tourism (DOT) - NCR, Golden Phoenix Hotel, Hotel 101, OSS MARINA, Wynwood Hotel, and Philippine Airlines.

During the ceremony, PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Abu expressed his gratitude to the TFBROF led by CG Vice Admiral (VADM) Rolando Lizor Punzalan Jr for the exemplary service rendered amidst the pandemic.

Hence, CG VADM Punzalan Jr received the AWARD OF COAST GUARD DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL AND RIBBON for his commendable performance and achievements as Commander of the said TF.

From 18 April 2021 to 08 March 2022, the TFBROF, with 3,064 strong men and women, assisted approximately 1,900,563 returning overseas Filipinos. A total of 686,786 individuals were also attended to quarantine facilities of PCG; 1,185,386 individuals were swabbed; and 87,019 individuals were transported using PCG vehicles.

According to CG Admiral Abu, CG VADM Punzalan Jr, imbued with a deep sense of commitment, determination, and dedication to duty, worked devotedly to effectively carry out the numerous tasks such as leading in the assistance of the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots to the personnel of the Department of Transportation and the PCG.

TFBROF was also responsible for the resolution of complaints, accommodation of inquiries and requests for assistance from OFWs and non-OFWs returning in the country through designated hotlines manned by its personnel 24/7, maintenance of the daily data gathered from different task groups, and implementation of activities relevant to COVID–19 response.

Relative to the guidance of the PCG Commandant to downsize the TFBROF, CG VADM Punzalan Jr formally relinquished his duties and responsibilities as the outgoing Commander of TFBROF, to the incoming Commander, CG Commodore Hostillo Arturo Cornelio.

Undersecretary Raul Del Rosario, Head of One-Stop-Shop Management of Returning Overseas Filipinos-Office for Transportation Security (OSS MROF-OTS, also graced the event.

"In line with our work amidst pandemic and calamities, we serve with heart and mindful of the dangers -- we get to rest but often endure longer hours -- we get applauded and sometimes smile at, but when our beloved country calls, if matters knock, we do our jobs just the same no matter what,” CG VADM Punzalan Jr said.

Concluding the ceremony, CG Admiral Abu emphasized that the PCG became adaptable and flexible in times when urgent decisions need urgent actions. The TFBROF, for one, became involved not only in the strategic but also in the tactical level of responding against COVID-19.

Most importantly, the TF successfully maintained strong partnerships and camaraderie with OSS agencies and private entities.