By Christine Fabro
For the first time, an all-female class graduated from the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) Special Radio Operators Course in a low-key ceremony held in Pasay City on Friday (June 25).
PCG Deputy Commandant for Operations Vice Admiral Leopoldo Laroya said they recognize the unique importance of having female radio operators aboard PCG vessels and shorebased units, especially in communicating with foreign ships, so as not to elevate tension.
A total of 81 graduates were hailed as the “Angels of the Sea Class 01 – 2021”.
According to the PCG, the crafting of the Angels of the Sea program began in June 2018 to “temper seafarers’ anxieties at the height of piracy and kidnapping in said areas at the country’s south.”
Laroya said he wants the Angels of the Sea to become the voice of peaceful and rules-based order at sea, especially along the Philippine’s sensitive maritime frontiers.
According to the PCG, Angels of the Sea is one of its initiatives to provide equal opportunities to all members of the uniformed service so they can play their niche roles in securing the nation together as one at sea.
“We want all women in the Coast Guard service to be able to develop their sense of self-worth and give them their right to influence social change. We hope this course served its purpose of minimizing gender discrimination and highlighting the important role of women in public service,” Laroya said.
The PCG said some of the new class’s members were assigned aboard patrol ships participating in PCG Task Force Pagsasanay, which are on rotational training exercises in various Philippine maritime jurisdictions including the West Philippine Sea. – jlo
