U.S. Coast Guard launches leadership course for Philippine counterparts

BALAGTAS, Bulacan — The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has launched its first-ever Leadership and Management School (LAMS) course in Southeast Asia, training 43 members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) from 21 April to 2 May at the PCG’s Fleet Training Center of Excellence.

The course, originally developed at the USCG Academy, was conducted by the USCG Southeast Asia Training Team (SEATT) and hosted in coordination with the PCG. It aims to develop future-ready maritime leaders, encourage innovation in education, and strengthen bilateral ties between the USCG and 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 Commander Raquel Colarina of the Coast Guard Fleet.

The training was delivered in two separate one-week sessions and led by seasoned USCG instructors. Participants came from key PCG units, including 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 Senior Chief Operations Specialist Anastazya Lencz, a USCG instructor.

The experience-based LAMS curriculum focuses on strengthening leadership competencies among junior officers and non-officer supervisors. It emphasizes effective communication, positive influence, motivation, task completion, ethics, and teamwork.

The SEATT program, funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, is expected to conduct additional training sessions for the PCG in 2025. The initiative supports broader efforts to enhance regional maritime law enforcement and cooperation across Southeast Asia.