PCG: The Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) has successfully conducted its 31st National Convention last May 21-23 in Legazpi City, Albay as hosted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary District Bicol (CGADBCL) through the leadership of its District Director COMMO EFREN RODRIGUEZ PCGA.

The annual event, as attended by more than 500 delegates from PCGA's 12 Auxiliary Districts, Executive Squadron and from the National Auxiliary Main Office, was warmly welcomed by Legaspi City Mayor CAPT NOEL E ROSAL PCGA.

This year's convention with the theme " A Strong PCGA in Today's Changing Environment" emphasized the main thrust of VADM JOSEPH N DY PCGA as the National Director, which is the promotion, protection, and sustaining of the marine environment. 

COMMO GERONIMO P REYES PCGA presented the ongoing projects of the Coast Guard Auxiliary across the country that includes Mangrove Beach Forest Rehabilitation, Community Based Oil Spill Response, Deployment of Mooring Buoys in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Reef Assessment, Monitoring and Enhancement of Areas of Rehabilitation through Fragmentation and Translocation of suitable coral species, and the launching of the Monthly Coastal Clean Up.

He also highlighted the Build A Reef Project of the PCGA along the coastal communities through the use of specially made hollow blocks to serve as reef and fish coops. 

To further augment the skills and capabilities of the Auxiliary, RADM VALENTIN B PRIETO JR PCGA, Deputy National Director for Operations (DNDO) pitched the recently drafted Resolutions on the duties, responsibilities, missions and operational procedures of the Auxiliarists. Likewise, RADM HILARION F DIMAGIBA PCGA presented an amended version of the documentary requirements for PCGA applicants. 

In his speech, Coast Guard Commandant ADM RODOLFO D ISORENA PCG lauded the Coast Guard Auxiliary for being active and proactive in dedicating their time, resources and energy. He also vowed for a strong partnership with "the extraordinary people of the PCGA" through modernization within the PCG to include its equipment, assets, facilities and capabilities. 

ADM ISORENA's view was echoed by Cong. Cesar Sarmiento of the Lone District of Catanduanes, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation. 

He affirmed that the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary is more than just a supplement to the manpower and capabilities of the PCG. He stated that PCGA's deep love for the country and a deep sense of volunteerism is essential to the development of the marine life and shoreline. Cong. Sarmiento added that the Coast Guard and its counterparts in the Auxiliary has a strong partner in the Congress and the Committee on Transportation is open to suggestions to create and enhance the maritime law in the country.

VADM DY PCGA concurred with the messages of ADM ISORENA PCG and Hon. Sarmiento as he thanked the Coast Guard for its unwavering support. "I am thankful for working under an excellent commandant who appreciates what the PCGA is doing. Rest assured that we will rise to the occasion whenever the PCGA is called upon," he stated. 

VADM DY PCGA also led the awarding of CGAD Western Visayas and CGAD Northern Mindanao for its timely compliance of reports, and the 903rd Auxiilary Squadron under CAPT IVANHOE ARCILLA PCGA for having the most number of Convention delegates.  

The Convention was graced by Cong. Cesar Sarmiento of the Lone District of Catanduanes, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation; ADM RODOLFO D ISORENA PCG, Commandant, Philippine Coast Guard; RADM WILLIAM M MELAD PCG, Deputy Commandant, Philippine Coast Guard; RADM JAMES N DY PCGA, President, Chinese General Hospital; COMMO RAY CAMPBELL of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard; CAPT NOEL ROSAL PCGA, Mayor, Legazpi City; CDR WLLIAM O ARQUERO PCG, CG-7; and CDR THADDEUS M BESINGA PCG, Coast Guard Chaplain.

It was also well attended by all of the Coast Guard District Commanders, National Auxiliary Staff, Executive Squadron and the PCGA International Affairs Group.

The 32nd PCGA National Convention on May 2016 will be hosted by the CGAD Northern Mindanao in Cagayan De Oro City.