Law Firm Partners Earn Leadership Roles in Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary
Law Firm partners Val Guzman and Alexander Llanes Acain Jr. were recently promoted to the rank of Commander in the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA). The promotions, signed by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Joel Garcia on May 29, 2020, recognize their commitment to public service.
The PCGA is a unique organization. It’s a uniformed volunteer group, independent of government and politics, that works alongside the Philippine Coast Guard. Mirroring the PCG’s structure, the PCGA has its own leadership and management chain.
Established in 1972 by Republic Act No. 5173, the PCGA’s initial mission was to assist the PCG in search and rescue operations and maritime safety. Over time, the organization has grown significantly and its role is now enshrined in Section 11 of Republic Act No. 9993, the PCG Law of 2009.
The PCGA’s primary functions include:
- Supporting the PCG in promoting safety of life and property at sea
- Protecting the marine environment and its resources
- Conducting maritime search and rescue operations
- Maintaining aids to navigation
- Ensuring recreational safety
- Fostering positive relationships within the maritime community through civic action programs, participation in the National Service Training Program, youth development initiatives, and other related activities.
This promotion signifies the valuable contributions these law firm partners can bring to the PCGA’s mission of ensuring a safe and secure maritime environment for the Philippines.