SABAY-SABAY na nanumpa sa Coast Guard Fleet Parade Ground ngayong araw ang nasa 1,450 trainees ng Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
“Thank you for choosing to be one with our noble cause. You have my respect,” mensahe ni PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Artemio Abu.
Sa bilang na ito, 1,283 ang kalalakihan (88 percent), habang 167 naman ang kababaihan (12 percent).
Ayon kay CG Admiral Abu, ito na ang pinakamalaking oath-taking ceremony ng mga enlistment trainees sa kasaysayan ng PCG.
“Being a Coast Guard is not for everyone. It is for those with a brave soul and a mind of steel, but at the same time possess a tender heart. It is for those who truly love the country and are genuinely committed to public service,” ani CG Admiral Abu.
Kinilala rin ng CG commandant ang pagsasakripisyo ng mga magulang para sa kanilang mga anak na ngayon ay naghahanda sa pagiging opisyal na lingkod bayan.
“I also wish to express my gratitude and congratulate your parents for raising such commendable individuals, and for supporting you in this endeavor,” pahayag niya.
Samantala, idiniin ni CG Admiral Abu ang responsibilidad na nakaatang sa mga trainees sa oras na maisuot nila ang uniporme ng isang Coast Guard personnel.
“I trust that you will continue our tradition of service, integrity, and excellence. I expect no less than your commitment and dedication to our mission, not just for your career growth, but also for the organization and the Filipino public that we seek to serve,” ayon sa pinuno ng PCG.
“Our members are bound by a common mission to save lives, ensure safe maritime transport, and secure the Philippine maritime jurisdiction. We do not share the same roots, but come hell or high water, we stand by each other, fight for the same cause, and get through the challenges together — that alone makes us a family,” pagtatapos niya.
Ang malawakang recruitment ng PCG ay bahagi ng komprehensibong modernization program ng organisasyon.
Sa pagdating ng mga karagdagang barko, air assets, at iba pang makabagong kagamitan, kinakailangan din ng PCG ng mga lingkod bayan na tutulong sa pagtupad ng mga mandato nito sa sambayanang Pilipino.