From 21 April to 2 May, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Southeast Asia Training Team (SEATT) conducted its first-ever Leadership and Management School (LAMS) course in Southeast Asia, with 43 members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) as inaugural participants.

Originally developed at the USCG Academy, the LAMS course conducted at the PCG’s Fleet Training Center of Excellence in Balagtas, Bulacan, is designed to develop future-ready leaders, foster innovation in maritime education and deepen cooperation between USCG and the PCG.

“LAMS has breathed new life into how we grow leaders at the PCG’s Fleet Education, Training and Doctrine Development Institute. The impact is real; it’s building confidence, self-awareness and a stronger sense of purpose among our people,” said PCG Commander Raquel Colarina of the Coast Guard Fleet.

The course was held over two separate one-week sessions, each led by seasoned USCG trainers and attended by PCG personnel from key units such as the Coast Guard Fleet, Marine Environmental Protection and Maritime Safety Services.

“Marking a milestone in international cooperation, the PCG and the USCG are not only sharing best practices, but also forging a unified approach to developing resilient, adaptive leadership in complex maritime environments,” said USCG instructor senior chief operations Specialist Anastazya Lencz.

Using an experience-based curriculum, LAMS enhances the leadership skills of junior-officer managers and non-officer supervisors. It places emphasis on discussion of leadership competencies and develops skills in the following areas: communicating effectively, influencing others positively, creating an environment that motivates performance, getting the job done while taking care of subordinates, encouraging personal ethics and promoting teamwork.