Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, Admiral George V Ursabia Jr led the oath-taking ceremony of 15 Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) cadets who form part of the 11th PCG - PMMA Scholarship Program yesterday, 02 December 2020.

During his speech, Admiral Ursabia urged the cadets to maximize the four-year education and training program to become full-blooded Coast Guardians who are patriotic to the motherland, compassionate to fellow Filipinos, and God-fearing.

"As early as now, consider yourselves as part of the PCG. As Coast Guardians, we are expected to serve those in need. We are rescuers. We are into helping, serving, and assisting others. We are instruments of God for such purposes," the Coast Guard Commandant exhorted.

Admiral Ursabia also encouraged the cadets to remain faithful to God Almighty as the ultimate source of strength to surpass the challenges inside the academy and to pursue the right direction during the course of the four-year program.

For his part, PMMA Superintendent, Commodore Joel Y Abutal PCGA shared that the realization of the PCG - PMMA Scholarship Program for the past 11 years is a testament of the national government's firm commitment to provide financial support and promising employment opportunities to the most deserving students of the academy.

"Indeed, your duty as cadets is noble and challenging. After the training, you will be tasked to conduct maritime security operations — safeguarding lives and properties at sea and protecting the country's rich marine environment. The next four years will prepare you for the great challenges you will encounter in the performance of your duties and responsibilities as public servants under the PCG — the only humanitarian uniformed service of the Republic of the Philippines," Commodore Abutal PCGA said.

Started in 2009, the PCG - PMMA Scholarship Program aims to establish a stronger working relationship between the PCG and the PMMA for the training of public servants who are committed to uphold maritime law enforcement, maritime security, maritime safety, maritime search and rescue, and marine environmental protection in service to the nation.