The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is tasked with responding to maritime emergencies, conducting search-and-rescue operations, and protecting the country’s coastal waters and maritime borders. These responsibilities fall on personnel who must be physically capable, mentally alert, and technically proficient.
So how can the people behind these missions be supported so they stay ready for the work?
Keeping Maritime Defenders Mission-Ready
That was the thinking behind the ULTIMA Coast Guard Challenge, a two-day competition mounted by the PCG Special Services Center with the support of Bell-Kenz Pharma.
Held on September 29 to 30 at the Philippine Coast Guard Academy in Bagac, Bataan, the challenge brought together 24 teams from various PCG commands, districts, and units as part of the agency’s 125th anniversary pre-celebration activities. It was designed to test the endurance, mental agility, teamwork, and technical capabilities of Coast Guard personnel.
“The reason why we wanted to collaborate with the Coast Guard is we feel that we’d like to thank you for the great work that you do, and help you keep yourself FIT to continue doing what you need to do for the country,” said Patrick Larraga, Corporate Branding and Public Affairs Head of Bell-Kenz Pharma.
“It is really being able to contribute to the overall security and economic growth of this country,” he added.
Testing Endurance, Skill, and Teamwork
Participants went through 11 stages across two phases, covering mission-ready fitness, team endurance running, Coast Guard seamanship, firearms proficiency, rubber boat carrying and recovery, lifesaving skills, swimming, rescue swimming, and Coast Guard law proficiency and West Philippine Sea awareness.
The Philippine Coast Guard Academy emerged as the overall champion, receiving ?50,000, a perpetual trophy, and a gift pack of Ultima, ProNerv, EnPlus Gold, and BioPro. Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog placed second with ?30,000 and a gift pack of Ultima, ProNerv, and BioPro, while the Coast Guard Education, Training and Doctrine Command took third with ?20,000 and a gift pack of Ultima and BioPro. Bell-Kenz Pharma and the PCG also recognized the ULTIMA 10, the winning teams across the individual stages.
Readiness Starts with the People
For the participants, the challenge was also a reminder of what readiness depends on. Captain Cheryl D. Boblo, Chief of Staff of the Coast Guard Human Resource Management Command, pointed to the need for personnel to keep adapting.
“The challenges we face as a Coast Guard are constantly evolving, and we must remain adaptable, resilient, and always ready to answer the call of duty,” Boblo said.
“Let this event serve as a reminder that our strength lies not just in our assets and equipment, but in the unwavering dedication and exceptional capabilities of our personnel,” she added.
The ULTIMA Coast Guard Challenge is part of Bell-Kenz Pharma’s support for the health and wellness of the men and women who safeguard the country’s waters. With the demands on the Coast Guard continuing to grow, the initiative puts the spotlight on keeping the personnel fit, prepared, and ready to serve the Filipino people.
