President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has appointed CG Vice Admiral Leopoldo V. Laroya as the 28th Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), following the mandatory retirement of CG Admiral George V. Ursabia Jr effective today, Sept. 8, 2021.
Born in Quezon City, Laroya began his military career in 1983 when he entered the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and graduated as a proud member of the “Maringal” Class of 1988.
His passion for learning enabled him to complete his post-graduate studies at the World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden and earned the degree of Masters in Maritime Safety and Environmental Protection in 2000.
Before he was appointed as Deputy Commandant for Operations, Laroya was entrusted with various major positions, such as Commander of the Maritime Safety Services Command; Coast Guard Education, Training and Doctrine Command; and Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Command.
He also served as District Commander of PCG Districts in Western Visayas, Northwestern Luzon, Southwestern Mindanao, NCR – Central Luzon, and Bicol.
He earned the most coveted Command at Sea badge, having commanded two flagship Coast Guard search and rescue vessels (SARV) namely: BRP Batangas (SARV-004) and BRP Nueva Vizcaya (SARV-3502).
His dedication to public service has been reflected through his remarkable achievements and numerous awards received, including Coast Guard Legion of Honor, Bronze Cross Medal, Outstanding Achievement Medals, Superior Achievement Medals, Coast Guard SAR Medals, and Military Merit Medals, among others.
He is a dedicated husband to his spouse, Mrs. Rowena Laroya, and a loving father to his only son, Zach Laroya. (PCG) – bny
