MANILA, Philippines – Lumahok si Executive Secretary Ralph Recto sa Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) bilang auxiliary vice admiral noong nakaraang linggo.
Pormal na tinanggap ni Recto ang kanyang ranggo sa donning at oath-taking ceremony noong Biyernes, Pebrero 27 sakay ng BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701).
“As I don this uniform that now rests on my shoulders, I do so with humility, with duty, and with responsibility. This is not a cosplay. But a commitment,” saad sa pahayag ni Recto.
“Sisiguraduhin natin ang ating mga karagatan. Susuportahan natin ang ating Coast Guard. At ipagtatanggol natin kung ano ang atin,” dagdag pa niya.
Tinukoy naman ni Recto ang pagsisikap ng pamahalaan na mapalakas ang maritime governance sa pamamagitan ng investments sa Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Partikular dito ang P42.52 bilyong alokasyon para sa PCG ngayong taon na layong palakasin ang manpower, operational readiness, at long-term capability development.
“It forms part of the President’s broader goal: to bridge troubled waters and usher in an era of maritime prosperity,” sinabi ni Recto.
“With these investments, you will be better positioned as part of our arsenal for peace. It is an arsenal meant to preserve stability and secure harmony at sea and along our shores,” dagdag pa nito.
Bukod kay Recto ay sumailalim din sa induction sa PCGA Executive Squadron si Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Rolando Toledo, sa ranggong auxiliary rear admiral.
Samantala, ang aktor na si Luis Manzano, Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Maria Luwalhati Dorotan-Tiuseco, DBM Assistant Secretary Andrea Celene Magtalas, Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) Director IV Cherry Mae Gonzales, at DBM Assistant Director Robin Gumasing ay binigyan naman ng ranggong auxiliary commodore. RNT/JGC
