Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista on Saturday, 12 November 2022, called on the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) to work together to protect the country’s maritime interests but also bringing services closer to Filipinos during calamities.
During the donning and oathtaking of newly appointed PCGA Executive Squadron, Secretary Bautista expressed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and PCGA Executive Squadron’s readiness to assist the PCG in providing assistance, while expanding its relationship.
“This is why we are here—we will work together, being the Secretary of the DOTr and the PCGA—being an attached agency, we’ll see to it that we will work closely with PCGA, and expand our relationship,” Secretary Bautista said.
The transport chief likewise underscored the PCG and PCGA’s close collaboration in bringing the services to Filipinos especially during calamities.
“I know that there will be calamities that will be coming—typhoons, earthquakes—and with our collaboration and proper communication, we should be able to help those people that deserve the assistance from all of us,” he said.
At present, the PCGA squadron boasts a 24,000-strong membership, with Secretary Bautista assuring that the auxiliary will enlist more members to further protect and secure our marine resources, protect the environment, and help more Filipinos.
Taking oath as new PCGA Executive members were Secretary Bautista as Auxiliary Vice Admiral, DOTr Undersecretary for Maritime Elmer Sarmiento as Auxiliary Commodore, Undersecretary for Administration and Finance Kim Robert De Leon as Auxiliary Commodore, and Communications and Commuter Affairs Office (CCAO) Chief Ana Dominique Consulta as Auxiliary Commander.
