The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has accorded a Skipper’s Farewell Cruise Ceremony for PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Leopoldo V Laroya in honor of his accomplishments and contributions during his assignment aboard ship at Pier 13, Port Area, Manila yesterday, 24 January 2022.

CG Admiral Laroya will be retiring on 10 February 2022 after more than 38 years of public service.

He was the second retiring skipper to receive the said tribute aboard BRP Batangas (SARV-5605), following CG Rear Admiral Jose William U Isaga who retired on 19 October 2021 and received the said ceremony aboard BRP Corregidor (AE-891) on 02 October 2021.

The Coast Guard Commandant earned the most coveted COMMAND AT SEA BADGE after successfully commanding two flagships of Coast Guard search and rescue vessels (SARVs) namely: BRP Batangas (SARV-5605) and BRP Nueva Vizcaya (SARV-3502).

After his assignment aboard ship, CG Admiral Laroya served as Commander of the Maritime Safety Services Command, Coast Guard Education and Training Command, and Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Command. He was also designated as District Commander of PCG Districts in Western Visayas, Northwestern Luzon, Southwestern Mindanao, and Bicol.

During his speech, CG Admiral Laroya conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to the men and women who organized the said event.

“The best years of my life were when I was actually aboard ship. Thank you very much for the honors that you have provided. I will treasure it throughout my lifetime,” the Coast Guard Commandant expressed.

The Skipper's Farewell Cruise Ceremony emphasized the participation of his oceanic majesty King Neptune as the Presiding Officer, graced by his wife, Queen Amphitrite, the King’s Herald, and Davy Jones played by the ship’s crew. The concept and characters were based on the ceremonial Equator-Crossing tradition for shellbacks.

Coast Guard Fleet Commander, CG Rear Admiral Allan Victor T Dela Vega presided over the said ceremony that began when CG Captain Roderik M Elioran, the incumbent Commanding Officer of BRP Batangas (SARV-5605), turned over the command to CG Admiral Laroya.

Thereafter, the honoree commanded and maneuvered the ship from Pier 13, Port Area, Manila to Manila Bay and back.

While underway, King Neptune summoned CG Admiral Laroya and his spouse, Mrs. Rowena S. Laroya for the ceremonial awarding of the “IMPERIVM NEPTVNI REGIS” certificate for his sterling accomplishments as a PCG skipper.

Afterward, CG Rear Admiral Dela Vega led the ceremonial wine toast which marked the conclusion of the ceremony.

[Photos by CG PO2 Dandy V Quiacos, CG SN2 John Vincent D Obina, and CG ASN Aminkadra J Sahali of the Coast Guard Public Affairs]