The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan PCG, spearheaded the donning and oath-taking ceremony of the newly appointed National Director of the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) at the National Headquarters, Port Area, Manila yesterday, 14 June 2025.

Said undertaking intensified the vision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the increase of strength of PCGA members who will support the PCG in its humanitarian initiatives and disaster relief operations.

The newly appointed PCGA National Director is Auxiliary Rear Admiral Manolita Faelnar PCGA, the first female PCGA National Director, who has also been promoted to Auxiliary Vice Admiral.

During the event, Outgoing National Director, Auxiliary Vice Admiral Jorge Lim PCGA was awarded the PCGA Distinguished Service Medal and Ribbon in recognition of his exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication in supporting the mission and functions of the PCG. His outstanding service brought distinct credit not only to himself but also to the PCGA and the PCG as a whole.

“I know that you are here today because you have volunteered to be a part of us. The Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary are not two different entities; we are one, but we can only remain as one if we are able to clarify the reason for our team why we exist,” Admiral Gavan said.

“To my fellow Coast Guards, to my fellow regular Coast Guards, I direct everyone to render full support, full respect, and full cooperation with our brothers and sisters in the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary because they are part of us, and we are also part of them,” Admiral Gavan PCG expressed.

Also present in the said undertaking were Deputy Commandant for Operations, Vice Admiral Edgar Ybañez; Deputy Commandant for Administration, Rear Admiral Joeven Fabul PCG; Chief of Coast Guard Staff, Rear Admiral Hostillo Arturo Cornelio PCG along with other senior officers and members of the PCG and PCGA.