“A snappy salute to the newest members of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary!”

This was the message of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to the newly-donned members of the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA).

Mrs. Marcos officially joined the PCGA executive Squadron on 16 July 2024 in a ceremony aboard the BRP Gabriela Silang in Manila. She currently holds the honorary rank of Auxiliary Vice Admiral.

“Honored to witness your maiden voyage, as you join the ranks of the men and women sworn to protect our country’s seas and coasts. As you set sail on this new journey, may you continue to uphold the values of patriotism, service, and volunteerism that you’ve always had in you. Welcome aboard!” the First Lady told the new members.

The PCGA is a volunteer civilian organization that assists the PCG with maritime search and rescue, marine environmental protection, and community-based humanitarian missions.

PCGA members, however, are not active duty personnel. The PCGA is a non-military volunteer organization composed of unpaid civilians who support maritime safety and other civil missions.

The PCGA has an organizational structure and rank system parallel to that of the regular Philippine Coast Guard, with officer ranks ranging from Auxiliary Admiral to Auxiliary Ensign and four Auxiliarist levels for non-officer members.

To become a member of the PCGA, an applicant must be a Filipino citizen aged 18 to 65, submit required personal documents, and complete an orientation seminar followed by a three-month probationary period.