During the oath-taking ceremony of six newly-promoted Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officers, Department of Transportation - Philippines (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade challenged them to have firmer and stronger resolve to be loyal to the country, flag, president, and God Almighty.

"In your own ways, as you get promoted, help make this country a better place to live in. Bilang pasasalamat sa ating Pangulo na nag-approve ng inyong promotion, gawin ninyo nang dapat at sukdulan ang inyong katungkulan," Secretary Tugade exhorted.

Instead of holding a general oath-taking session to save time and effort, the DOTr Secretary intentionally administered individual oath-taking sessions with the six promotees to sincerely express his felicitations and gratitude for their personal sacrifices as public servants.

"Ang ginawa ko kanina ay solo at isa-isa, 'pagkat gusto kong bigyan ng respeto, kadakilaan, at importasya yung simpleng okasyon ngayon. Gusto kong ipataw sa  inyo yung isang magandang memorya na kung saan pag-uwi ninyo sa inyong sari-sariling tahanan, sasabihin ninyo sa inyong mga anak: Ito ang picture, na-promote kami. And I assure you, officers of the Philippine Coast Guard, you deserve the promotions you have just been given and honored today," Secretary Tugade added.

Among the Coast Guard officials promoted to the next higher rank are Vice Admiral (VADM) Oscar Endona Jr, VADM Eduardo Fabricante, Rear Admiral (RADM) Normando Reyes, RADM Roy Echeverria, RADM Allan Victor Dela Vega, and RADM Christopher Villacorte.