The Deputy Commandant for Operations, Vice Admiral Rolando Lizor Punzalan Jr, welcomed the Director of International Affairs and Foreign Policy Advisor, United States Coast Guard (USCG), Ms. Holly Haverstick at the National Headquarters, Port Area, Manila, on 23 October 2024.

The two Coast Guards will explore possibilities on additional capacity building programs and assist in enhancing maritime domain awareness capability of the PCG.

As the region faces growing maritime challenges, the PCG is advancing its cooperation with the USCG to improve key areas of maritime operations and security. The visit also provided an opportunity for the PCG to outline future collaboration initiatives aimed at enhancing maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. This partnership underscores the shared commitment of both Coast Guards to maintaining peace and stability through cooperation and knowledge exchange.

Along with Ms. Haverstick were USCG Maritime Advisor to the Philippines, Mr. Charles Miller, and USCG Maritime Advisor from the US Embassy Manila, Commander Christine Igisomar.

While other PCG officers, Commander, Coast Guard Education Training and Doctrine Command, Vice Admiral Charlie Rances PCG; Commander, Coast Guard Fleet, Commodore Arnaldo Lim PCG; Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for International Affairs, CG-5, Commodore Algier Ricafrente PCG; Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Strategic Studies and Modernization, CG-15, Captain Eric Ferrancullo PCG; and Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Education and Training, CG-12, Captain Noemie Cayabyab, PCG were also present in the activity.