IN recognition of his outstanding service to the nation, the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) rendered a testimonial parade and review in honor of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, CG Admiral Artemio Abu, in Baguio City last week.
A proud member of the PMA “Tanglaw-Diwa” Class of 1992, the PMA bestowed the “Dangal ng Akademya” award to the Coast Guard Commandant, who completed his Master’s degree in Marine Management at the Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He also took some units at the Adamson University’s College of Law.
The PMA said CG Admiral Abu continues to showcase outstanding leadership and commitment to public service, which honors the Academy.
The Coast Guard Commandant was also a distinguished “Cavalier Awardee for 2021” in the field of Coast Guard Operations — the highest honor bestowed upon a PMA graduate who excelled in one’s career.
CG Admiral Abu has attended and represented the country in numerous training programs and seminars locally and abroad, such as in Canada, the United States of America, Indonesia, Hawaii, Japan, Singapore, France, Western Australia, and the United Kingdom. He also served as the head of mission of the Philippine delegation during the International Maritime Organization conventions that were held in London, South Korea, and Thailand, where he used such valuable experiences to improve his work further and in helping the PCG.
Before being appointed PCG Commandant, he served as Commanding Officer of various PCG ships, earning the most coveted Command at Sea Badge.
CG Admiral Abu also served as the Commander of the Coast Guard District Southern Visayas, Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog, Coast Guard Education Training and Doctrine Command, and Coast Guard Ready Force.
Furthermore, he performed duties and responsibilities as Acting Commander of the Marine Environmental Protection Command and Commander of the PCG Task Force Taal.
At the National Headquarters, CG Admiral Abu served as Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff Weapons, Communications and Information System (CG-11), Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Ships and Aircraft Repair and Maintenance (CG-10), and Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Education and Training (CG-12).
CG Admiral Abu is married to Carlota Vergara Abu of Luta Norte, Malvar, Batangas, and blessed with four children: Kevin Paul, Kariza, Kurt Patrick, and Karina Paula.
The PCG Commandant will formally retire after 31 years of public service on October 19, 2023.