PCG: The Officer-in-Charge of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), COMMO JOEL S GARCIA PCG, Ph.D., H.D., Al-Haj graced the donning ceremony for the 87 PCG non-officers who were promoted to the next higher rank at the PCG headquarters in Manila today, 23 January.

“DOTr Secretary Tugade wants the Coast Guard to emerge as the number one maritime security law enforcer to dispect to counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism at sea as it is a domain of the Philippine Coast Guard to do all the maritime law enforcement activities”, COMMO GARCIA PCG stated during his speech.

"The Coast Guard is not the only in a process of transformation but has transformed towards elevating itself into the premier law enforcement agency in the country”, he added.

COMMO GARCIA PCG congratulated all the promotees and reminded them that they must have pride and respect as they were donned with higher ranks. He also added that an additional rank entails more responsibility and accountability placed upon one’s shoulder.