Commander Michael John Encina PCG of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) was honored at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS) in Honolulu, Hawaii, for the successful completion of his Fellow’s Project entitled the ICARE Campaign Plan.

He received the prestigious Laulima lanyard and a certificate of completion from APCSS Director, Major General Suzanne Vares-Lum (Ret), during a formal recognition ceremony attended by the Center’s faculty and staff on August 8, 2025.

The ceremony was made more memorable with the presence of Her Excellency MaryKay Carlson, United States Ambassador to the Philippines, and PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan PCG.

The ICARE Campaign Plan—short for Intensified Community Assistance, Response, and Engagement, was developed to enhance community-based maritime safety, improve inter-agency coordination, and strengthen public trust in PCG operations, anchored on President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr.'s Bagong Pilipinas campaign.

The project reflects APCSS’s mission of cultivating visionary leaders capable of addressing complex security challenges across the Indo-Pacific region.

APCSS offers a range of executive education programs for military, coast guard, and civilian security officials from across the Indo-Pacific.

Through intensive courses, strategic studies, and multinational collaboration, participants gain the skills, networks, and insights necessary to become transformative leaders in their respective countries, promoting peace, stability, and cooperative security.

Commander Encina’s recognition underscores the PCG’s commitment to professional development, international engagement, and innovative security solutions that advance both national and regional maritime governance.