28 MARCH 2022 – The Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard, CG ADM ARTEMIO M ABU, graced the turn-over ceremony of CG VADM ROLANDO LIZOR N PUNZALAN JR, the outgoing Commander, Marine Environmental Protection Command and CG RADM ROBERT N PATRIMONIO, the incoming Commander, MEPCOM at PCG Gymnasium, Coast Guard Base Farola on 28 March 2022.
CG VADM PUNZALAN JR relinquished all duties and responsibilities as Commander, MEPCOM and assume as Deputy Commandant for Administration, PCG. While CG RADM PATRIMONIO assumes all duties and responsibilities as incoming Commander, MEPCOM.
CG RADM PATRIMONIO, C, MEPCOM received the Coastguard Outstanding Achievement Medal while CG VADM PUNZALAN JR, Deputy Commandant for Administration, PCG was awarded the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal and Ribbon for his outstanding performance and achievements as Commander, MEPCOM.
Moreover, Certification of Appreciation was bestowed to the following stakeholders and partner agencies, namely PCG Auxiliary Squadrons 109th, 110th, 117th, and 126th, MAREP PCGA University of the Philippines Dept. of Science, Propmech, Ulticon Builders, Conservation of Ocean Resources and Aquatic Life (CORAL), Uni-Orient Pearl Ventures Inc., Solid Shipping Lines Corp, Malayan Towage and Salvage Corporation, Amaya Dockyard & Marine Services Inc., Progreen Agrcorp Incorporated, Shell Philippines, PHIVIDEC, Oceanic Container Lines, Frabelle Shipyard Corp., Mr. Alexander T. Young, Ph. D., Mr. Eric Ngo, Mr. Mark Saquian and Mr. Wilfredo Saquian.
The Coast Guard Superior Achievement Medal was awarded to all MEPCOM personnel for their contributions to the command’s endeavor.
From 08 April 2021 to 27 March 2022 the Command has accomplished 37 Adjudicated MEP environmental cases, responded to 36 oil spill incidents, MEP Compliances Trainings were conducted in 15 companies with 433 participants, Registered a total of 2,264 MEP Record Books and Emergency Plans, Issued 407 MEP compliance certificates, conducted 41 MEP in-house training, Integration to NHQ-PCG Document Monitoring System, Integration of MEP Prompt Reporting System, and accreditation of MEPCOM ISO 9001:2015. In battling climate change, MEPCOM’s advocacy and legacy planted a total of 2,268 trees and 183,334 mangroves.
The new Commander, MEPCOM emphasized the importance of discipline, dignity, and teamwork as he addressed his inspirational words. He also acknowledged the cooperation of the stakeholders and the role of the Non-Government Organization in the Command. Furthermore, he emphasizes the rules and regulations to improve the command and preserve environmental advocacy.
CG ADMIRAL ABU concluded the ceremony and stressed that the MEPCOM advocacy and innovations in the environment have a vital role in ensuring the next generation.
