PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. has designated Vice Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan as the new commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard, replacing Adm. Artemio Abu who has reached the retirement age of 56.
Gavan took the helm of the 30,000-strong PCG in rites presided over by Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista at the PCG headquarters in Manila yesterday.
Gavan, a member of the Philippine Military Academy class of 1993, served as the PCG deputy commandant for administration prior to his assumption as PCG commandant.
Gavan was picked by the president over four vice admirals who were also shortlisted as the successor of Abu.
The four were Rolando Lizor Punzalan (deputy commandant for operations), Joseph Coyme (commander of the Maritime Safety Service Command), Allan Victor Dela Vega (commander of the Education, Training and Doctrine Command), and Roy Echeverria (commander of the Maritime Security Law Enforcement Command).
Marcos signed the appointment papers of Gavan last Wednesday.
There was still no word as to who would succeed Gavan as PCG deputy commandant for administration.
In his address, Gavan vowed to strengthen the PCG’s performance, particularly in the implementation of its main functions — maritime safety, maritime security, maritime search and rescue, maritime law enf orcement and marine environment protection.
“As always, I will remain steadfast in promoting our country’s maritime interests, particularly of our country’s sovereignty and sovereign rights as well as in supporting the livelihood of our fisherfolks and other users of our sea,” he said
Gavan also urged PCG personnel not to dwell on the past and “instead let us choose peace and goodness and look forward to a better and brighter future ahead for everyone.
“In unity, let us work together towards our common vision of a more disciplined, capable, developed, modern and highly effective Philippine Coast Guard. Hand-in-hand, let us valiantly face the various maritime challenges that our organization is encountering every day,” said Gavan.
Gavan urged PCG units to continue implementing their programs and projects.
“Relatively, to ensure continuity, all existing policies, guidelines and other directives issued by my predecessor will remain applicable until rescinded,” added Gavan.
Gavan thanked Abu, a member of the PMA class 1992, for his “valuable service and for leaving with us a legacy that will forever radiate in the PCG.”
Abu assumed command as the PCG’s 29th commandant in March last year.
Abu said he will not take credit for all the accomplishments of the PCG during his watch, adding: “I will not dare take the credit for all these accomplishments. It is the work of the entire Philippine Coast Guard family.”
