SIQUIJOR, Siquijor, July 19 (PIA) -- Philippine Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral George Ursabia Jr., hailed the Coast Guard auxiliaries in Siquijor province as he led the Donning and Oath Taking Ceremony of Philippine Coast Guard Auxillary (PCGA) Executive Squadron on June 6 at the Coco Grove Beach Resort, San Juan, Siquijor.

Taking oath were Gov. Zaldy Villa and lone diistrict of Siquijor Rep.  Jake Vincent Villa as Auxiliary Commodore of the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) Executive Squadron along with 53 other members of the PCGA.

Rev. Fr. Leonardo Tan, who is also a Director Auxiliary Squadron, blessed the ceremony.

In his message, Ursabia  hailed the members of the PCGA for committing themselves to be part of the PCG’s humanitarian organization, which he said is a “calling” and a great blessing amid the pandemic. 

“Being with the PCGA is not mere volunteerism, it is a calling. God has chosen you to be additional instruments of service, especially to those in need,” said Ursabia.

He urged them to revisit their oath, where they are expected to be involved in humanitarian obligations such as search and rescue, environmental protection, and youth development, among others.

Ursabia said these are humanitarian-related so he expects the PCGAs to be part in the promotion of safety, response activities, and conduct of search and rescue to deter or prevent maritime accidents in order to save lives, as well as protect and preserve the maritime environment. 

“We have to be involved in addressing the climate change and be active in the prevention of pollution at sea, especially those coming from land-based facilities, ships, out of sea, even in ports,” Ursabia added.

Underscoring the importance of youth development in the PCGA mission, Ursabia urged the auxiliaries to be involved in raising the standard of education of the youth in the remote areas.

“We are expected to be shepherding the younger generation to become role models and assets of the society, to be instruments (that will) make them useful and productive,” he said.

Noting the beautiful beaches of Siquijor, Ursabia said there is potential for tourism, adding that he would not be surprised if after the COVID-19 pandemic, Siquijor will be a popular tourist destination.

“You are so blessed, but of course, there’s an obligation on your part. Now that you are already PCGA, you need to take care, to manage, to preserve, and to protect these beautiful blessings given by God Almighty,” he said. (RAC/PIA7 Siquijor)