Protecting the nation’s waters is not an easy task. For years, maritime challenges have changed. We are now dealing with numerous illegal activities at sea that are backed by the latest technological advancements, rampant tensions in our contested islands, dangerous typhoons and environmental hazards that harm our people and aquatic life.

These challenges will keep evolving, and if left unattended, our country will be put at risk.

Thankfully, the Duterte administration enlisted an individual who symbolizes the government’s vision of modernizing the entirety of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to strengthen its capabilities in shielding the country’s waters.

Meet the valiant protector of our seas, PCG Commandant Admiral Elson Hermogino.

Admiral Hermogino can be likened to the modern-day version of the comic book hero Aquaman: a seasoned maritime veteran who has dedicated his entire life in protecting the people from threats on and off our waters, while also valuing the marine environment. He graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1985, while completing his post-graduate studies at the World Maritime University in Sweden, earning a Master’s Degree in Maritime Administration in 1996. A guardian of the seas for most of his career, he previously served as Station Commander in various PCG stations, eventually transitioning to commander of several Coast Guard districts all over the country.

The moment President Rodrigo Roa Duterte appointed Admiral Hermogino in 2018, he knew that there is only one thing to elevate the PCG: modernization.

Aligned with the thrust of the President, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has shown his utmost support towards the causes of the PCG, and backed up Hermogino’s relentless desire to further strengthen the PCG and modernize its maritime assets.

Under his helm, the PCG garnered the support of the government, local and foreign partners and stakeholders in the acquisition of security assets to enhance the PCG’s capabilities. This year, the PCG received two 24-meter Fast Patrol Boats from France and two 12-meter high-speed boats from Japan to combat illegal activities such as piracy, smuggling and terrorism.

The PCG also received a huge boost in their disaster response and search and rescue capabilities through the delivery of 12 Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats, 73 rubber boats, and over 200 land vehicles. Before the end of the year, the PCG will obtain an Offshore Patrol Vessel from France, a 15-meter boat from Japan and two Airbus helicopters. By 2020, 44 small high-speed response boats and an additional training helicopter are expected to arrive.

Hermogino also sought to modernize the PCG’s facilities, with the construction of new Coast Guard stations, sub-stations, and the rehabilitation of several Coast Guard offices ongoing. Lighthouses are now being utilized all over the country, with a 90.83 percent operational status as of this month.

Under his guidance, activities such as kidnapping at sea, human trafficking, piracy, smuggling of goods and illegal drugs have been significantly reduced.

For environmental awareness, the PCG launched initiatives such as coastal cleanups and mangrove planting, leading to almost 143,000 kilos of collected garbage and 50,000 mangrove propagules planted.

PCG is not stopping anytime soon, with programs such as the establishment of the first K-9 Academy on the way, and the creation of the PCG General Hospital now signed into law, soon to benefit PCG personnel, employees, dependents and retirees.

Hermogino’s tenure as PCG Commandant has been full of milestones that will last for more years to come. With the PCG now on its 118th year, he has left his distinctive mark on the agency’s men and women to continue the fight in saving lives and keeping our seas safe and secure.

Today, Admiral Hermogino retires from his position, vacating a crucial role that will be taken up by an individual with a will that is as strong as his.

On this day, we salute Admiral Hermogino for the legacy that he has left to the PCG personnel, a legacy that will transform the PCG into a world-class guardian of the seas.