The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Army (PA) have signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on education and training at the PA Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila yesterday, 23 November 2020.

The signing of said MOU is the realization of the verbal commitment between PCG Commandant, Admiral George V Ursabia Jr and PA Commanding General, Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Cirilito E Sobejana to work as strong, collaborative, and united Philippine service commands during the latter’s courtesy visit at the PCG National Headquarters on 29 September 2020.

“This MOU urges us to work together more closely towards our common goal – the pursuit to enhance training, as we recognize the need for partnership, convergence, and collaboration. This joint venture is a good opportunity to develop interoperability between the Coast Guard and the Army,” Admiral Ursabia said.

Moreover, the PCG Commandant recognized the selfless dedication of Lt Gen Sobejana, and other Army and Coast Guard officers who offered their time and expertise for the finalization of said MOU. It was completed approximately eight weeks after the two generals of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1987 expressed their intent to effectuate said initiative yet to be undertaken by the PCG and the PA.

“I am confident that through our efforts and commitment, we will be able to achieve more and develop stronger relationships. May this MOU serve as a foundation of mutual trust and respect of our capabilities as Philippine service commands that are geared towards the training and transformation of future PCG and PA personnel who are strong, collaborative, and united,” Admiral Ursabia added.

For his part, Lt Gen Sobejana exhorted that the MOU will allow the PA to further support the PCG in the performance of its functions on maritime law enforcement and maritime security and vice versa, thereby enhancing public service to the Filipino people.

“This mutual endeavor will surely capacitate our forces to help each other in accomplishing our respective mandates. Kaya sa ating patuloy na pakikipag-ugnayan, tiyak na maisakakatuparan natin ang ating mga adhikain para sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng ating bayan,” Lt Gen Sobejana said.

Under the PCG-PA MOU on education and training, both parties will receive promising scholarship grants in partnership with other government agencies, funding support on technical workshops, as well as assistance in funding applications through letter support or proposal and direct coordination with regional or international training organizations. The PCG will also join PA internal meetings and vice versa, giving the other party an avenue to provide policy comments and recommendations.

Also part of the ceremony was the awarding of the Combat Commander’s “Kagitingan” Badge to PCG Commandant, Admiral Ursabia for his exemplary service and dedicated support to the Army.