President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has approved the conferment of the ORDER OF LAPU-LAPU, RANK OF KAMAGI to two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officers who are actively serving the Filipino people amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

LIEUTENANT COMMANDER FRANCIS ARIEL D SUALOG, a member of the PCG CHAPLAIN SERVICE, was serving as the Team Leader of the PCG Task Unit in NAIA Terminal 2 when a pregnant OFW from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia unexpectedly gave birth at the airport on 05 August 2020.

Despite his lack of experience in childbirth, LCDR Sualog, by faith, ensured the safe and successful delivery of a healthy baby boy named Gabriel Sebastian.

PROBATIONARY ENSIGN RALPH O BARAJAN, on the other hand, has recently received the International Maritime Organization (IMO) AWARD FOR EXCEPTIONAL BRAVERY AT SEA for upholding the safety of 62 passengers, including his own, aboard a sinking vessel at the vicinity waters off Cebu on 07 November 2019.

Under Executive Order No. 35 series of 2017, the ORDER OF LAPU-LAPU is awarded to government officials or personnel, as well as private individuals in recognition of their invaluable service in relation to the advocacy of the President.

The Chief Executive bestows said order to its deserving recipients in appreciation of their ACTS OF VALOR AND KINDNESS, as well as REMARKABLE CONTRIBUTIONS to the country.

The transmittal paper about said conferment was received by the Office of the Department of Transportation - Philippines (DOTr) Secretary on 04 February 2021.

Congratulations, LCDR SUALOG and P/ENS BARAJAN! Your Coast Guard family celebrates this milestone with you! #ParaSaBayan