The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Task Force Bayanihan for Returning Overseas Filipinos (TFB-ROF) Commander, CG VICE ADMIRAL ROLANDO LIZOR N PUNZALAN JR graced the simple but meaningful TROOP APPRECIATION CEREMONY for the 217-strong men and women of TFB-ROF's Task Group Resource Management, Logistics, and Administration (TG RMLA) at the Coast Guard Base Farola Gym on 04 February 2022.

The said event was intended to recognize the Task Group’s EXEMPLARY DEDICATION AND INVALUABLE COMMITMENT in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Troop Appreciation Ceremony highlighted the countless accomplishments of the said “living heroes” amongst the rank and file of the PCG in providing IMMEDIATE AND ROBUST SOLUTIONS on all administrative and logistical requirements of the TFB-ROF which include the distribution and delivery of 29,357,870 personal protective equipment (PPEs) and medical supplies provided by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) from June 2020 to present.

The TG RMLA, which is under the direct supervision of TFB-ROF Deputy Commander for RMLA, CG COMMO TITO ALVIN G ANDAL, and headed by its Commander, CG CAPT CHRISTINE PAULINE D DICIANO, likewise spearheaded the:

1) TRANSPORT of 64,585 fellow frontline personnel, returning residents, and other foreign nationals in the “LIBRENG SAKAY” PROGRAM of the DOTr;

2) TRANSPORT of 7,921 Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) repatriates including strandees;

3) ESCORTING of 11,869 OFWs to airport terminals and quarantine facilities;

4) FERRYING of 6,153 Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs) for RT-PCR testing in different testing sites; and

5) SAFE TRANSPORT of 773 confirmed COVID-19 patients to quarantine facilities.

In his message to the TG RMLA troops, the TFB-ROF Commander amplified the heartfelt gratitude of no less than the DOTr Secretary, ATTY. ARTHUR P TUGADE for the untiring effort of the Task Group to ensure that the logistical needs of TFB-ROF operations are PROVIDED, SUSTAINED, AND UNHAMPERED.

In line with the marching orders of PCG Commandant, CG ADMIRAL LEOPOLDO V LAROYA, the TFB-ROF Commander intimated the adage:

"In our line of work amidst the pandemic and calamities,

We serve with big hearts, less mindful of the dangers;

We get to rest, but oftentimes endure long working hours;

We get applauded, and more often simply smiled at;

But when our beloved country calls, it matters not.

We do our jobs just the same, no matter what."

The TG RMLA is likewise the logistical and administrative backbone of the PCG’s TASK FORCE KALINGA and has facilitated the transport of a total of 3,313.4 TONS OF RELIEF GOODS AND CRITICAL SUPPLIES to families affected by Typhoon Odette.

[Photos Courtesy of TG RMLA]