VADM DANILO G CABALDE PCGA’s Inspirational Message
PCGA 40th Anniversary
23 May 2014
Le Pavillon Metropolitan Park, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
This 30th PCGA NATIONAL CONVENTION is a very special event because it is also the culmination of our 40th year of existence as a volunteer organization. 40 years of unparalleled heroism, immeasurable dedication and unending accomplishments. This Ladies and Gentlemen, We can consider our biggest accomplishment!
Like what they always say, “Life begins at 40.” So from today, onwards, let us expect more challenges in this road that we have chosen to travel
1. 40 years ago, as most of us knew, the PCGA as a volunteer civilian organization was initially established for the purpose of assisting the Philippine Coast Guard in the conduct of search and rescue as most of its first members were owners of boats and yachts. Boat safety has also been identified as an additional concern.
The PCGA eventually expanded and is now a big organization. It is also being institutionalized under Section 11 of Republic Act Number 9993, otherwise known as the PCG Law of 2009.
2. In the past 40 years we've grown from a mere squadron 101 that started it all in NCR-CL, to now 11 districts composed of several squadrons, from a handful members to several thousand members;
3. In the past 40 years, working on a volunteer basis, we have organized events, projects, and other humanitarian endeavor related to the PCGA's mandated mission, on a very professional level;
4. In the past 40 years our most active members gained valuable experience in leadership and organization , or develop their technical skills by volunteer work, thereby producing generally quality leaders and members;
5. In the past 40 years, all of our members could benefit from the hard work of those volunteers, way ahead of us, who made PCGA as what it is now;
6. In the past 40 years, we have been assisting the PCG in MARSAR, MAREP, MARSAF, COMREL without let up;
7. In the past 40 years, our structure have been very dynamic and determined to adopt new systems that would improve our effectiveness;
9. In the past 40 years, our relationship with the PCG has grown in strength and intensity, through proper communication flow, and cooperation.
8. In the past 40 years, we have further intensified our cooperation with the PCG through our membership development and reached a milestone where members are fully aware of their worth and strength by aligning themselves through functional specialization;
10. In the past 40 years, we have been able to give something back to society - especially during calamities where we involved ourselves in rescue operations, and giving relief goods to the victims.
11. In the past 40 years, we were able to established ties with international volunteer organizations, the USCGA, and the Australian Coast Guard Volunteers Association, whose objectives, goals, and mission is similar to our own PCGA.
12. I feel that we have every reason to be proud of our organization, which also means to be proud of ourselves.
On such “even birthdays” it is normal to reflect upon the past and think about the future.
13. I’m not clairvoyant, but I am convinced that the PCGA has a long and important future ahead of it: especially if the organization keeps its various facets – professionalism, interests, friendships, volunteerism and the desire to give something back.
Let us therefore celebrate our history this evening. Let us celebrate the moment this evening and let us toast to the next years of volunteer service. Cheers!
23 May 2014
Le Pavillon Metropolitan Park, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
This 30th PCGA NATIONAL CONVENTION is a very special event because it is also the culmination of our 40th year of existence as a volunteer organization. 40 years of unparalleled heroism, immeasurable dedication and unending accomplishments. This Ladies and Gentlemen, We can consider our biggest accomplishment!
Like what they always say, “Life begins at 40.” So from today, onwards, let us expect more challenges in this road that we have chosen to travel
1. 40 years ago, as most of us knew, the PCGA as a volunteer civilian organization was initially established for the purpose of assisting the Philippine Coast Guard in the conduct of search and rescue as most of its first members were owners of boats and yachts. Boat safety has also been identified as an additional concern.
The PCGA eventually expanded and is now a big organization. It is also being institutionalized under Section 11 of Republic Act Number 9993, otherwise known as the PCG Law of 2009.
2. In the past 40 years we've grown from a mere squadron 101 that started it all in NCR-CL, to now 11 districts composed of several squadrons, from a handful members to several thousand members;
3. In the past 40 years, working on a volunteer basis, we have organized events, projects, and other humanitarian endeavor related to the PCGA's mandated mission, on a very professional level;
4. In the past 40 years our most active members gained valuable experience in leadership and organization , or develop their technical skills by volunteer work, thereby producing generally quality leaders and members;
5. In the past 40 years, all of our members could benefit from the hard work of those volunteers, way ahead of us, who made PCGA as what it is now;
6. In the past 40 years, we have been assisting the PCG in MARSAR, MAREP, MARSAF, COMREL without let up;
7. In the past 40 years, our structure have been very dynamic and determined to adopt new systems that would improve our effectiveness;
9. In the past 40 years, our relationship with the PCG has grown in strength and intensity, through proper communication flow, and cooperation.
8. In the past 40 years, we have further intensified our cooperation with the PCG through our membership development and reached a milestone where members are fully aware of their worth and strength by aligning themselves through functional specialization;
10. In the past 40 years, we have been able to give something back to society - especially during calamities where we involved ourselves in rescue operations, and giving relief goods to the victims.
11. In the past 40 years, we were able to established ties with international volunteer organizations, the USCGA, and the Australian Coast Guard Volunteers Association, whose objectives, goals, and mission is similar to our own PCGA.
12. I feel that we have every reason to be proud of our organization, which also means to be proud of ourselves.
On such “even birthdays” it is normal to reflect upon the past and think about the future.
13. I’m not clairvoyant, but I am convinced that the PCGA has a long and important future ahead of it: especially if the organization keeps its various facets – professionalism, interests, friendships, volunteerism and the desire to give something back.
Let us therefore celebrate our history this evening. Let us celebrate the moment this evening and let us toast to the next years of volunteer service. Cheers!