As the uniformed-civilian volunteer group of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the PCGA continues to be its steadfast partner in the promotion of safety of life and properties at sea, protection of the marine environment, the conduct of maritime search and rescue, and strengthening maritime community relations.
The PCGA, on top of these missions, uphold a good working relationship with the Coast Guard to pursue a common goal of protecting and preserving the country’s marine environment.
“We will pursue our common goals with the Philippine Coast Guard in an atmosphere of friendship, understanding, brotherhood, and mutual respect,” says PCGA National Director VADM VALENTIN B PRIETO JR PCGA.
The PCGA leadership has also set the benchmark for its 13 Auxiliary Districts to become fully relevant and reliable partners of the Coast Guard through the Mandatory Projects under its four (4) functional areas; this includes the following:
- Maritime Safety
- Activation of Vessels
- Passenger Assistance
- Rules of the Road Training
- Maritime Search and Rescue
- Coastal Community Evacuation Drill
- Basic/Advanced Life Support Training
- Marine Environmental Protection
- Coastal Cleanup
- Underwater cleanup
- Reef Enhancement Project
- Mangrove Planting
- Maritime Community Relations
- Organizing of Coastal Community Auxiliary Division (CCAD)
- Livelihood Program for (CCADs)
- PCG-NSTP
On top of these Mandatory Projects, the PCGA continues to hold its regular community programs such as relief and rehabilitation operations, medical/dental missions, feeding programs, blood-letting activities and Oplan Balik Eskwela. It also fully supports PCG activities by joining in the latter’s events such as anniversary celebrations, sportsfests, change of command and testimonials.
To further enhance the readiness of its members, most especially the CCADs, the PCGA has implemented significant technical trainings to include Basic and Advanced Life Support, Basic Boat Handling, Incident Command System (ICS), Water Search and Rescue, Open-Water Diving and Coast Community Evacuation Drills.
The soft skills of the PCGA officers were also addressed through the Ladderized Training Program which sets the leadership and scholastic standards for officers prior to their promotion. This covers modules on Leadership and Management, Protocol, PCGA Functional Areas, Human Relations, Financial Management, and Project Management. These set of programs are implemented by PCGA’s Training and Education Staff that went through the rigorous Train the Trainers Program.
In terms of leadership, the PCGA strives to bring the creme de la creme among its officers to lead its Auxiliary Districts, Squadrons and Divisions. The National Auxiliary Main Office (NAMO) prepares the future PCGA leaders by putting in place the Auxiliary Directors’ Training required for prospective Squadron and District Directors.
The PCG Auxiliary also strengthens its working relationship with its international counterparts by joining the annual US Coast Guard Auxiliary National Convention in Florida last August. These opened doors for a wider fellowship and cooperation with other foreign Coast Guard Auxiliaries.
Among the many highlights of PCGA’s accomplishments this year is the successful conduct of its National Convention held in Davao last May 23. The event was graced by President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sarah Duterte-Carpio. More than 10,000 PCGA members gathered in Davao-SMX to participate in the said annual event to review the previous years’ performance, connect and socialize with other fellow officers.
Truly, the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary practices the “ABCD” of volunteerism – Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.