President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has designated Vice Admiral Rommel Supangan as the new commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), replacing now-retired Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan after completing his maximum three-year term.
Marcos announced the appointment of Supangan on Monday during a change-of-command and retirement ceremony held at the PCG headquarters in Manila.
Supangan, a member of the Philippine Military Academy class of 1995, previously served as the commander of the PCG’s Marine Environmental Protection Command (MEPCOM) prior to his assumption as PCG commandant.
As the MEPCOM commander, Supangan led key programs and partnerships aimed at strengthening marine environmental protections across the country, according to the PCG.
He holds a degree in Naval System Engineering and earned a Master of Science in Maritime Affairs, majoring in Marine Environment and Ocean Management, from the World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden.
Supangan has occupied several vital positions within the agency, including commander of the Coast Guard Fleet, director of the Coast Guard Strategic Studies and International Affairs Center, commander of the Coast Guard Human Resources Management Command, commander of the Coast Guard District Palawan, acting commander of the Coast Guard District-National Capital Region, and deputy commander of the Maritime Safety Services Command.
In his address, Supangan presented four strategic pillars intended to guide his leadership.
He said the first pillar, institutional transformation and good governance, seeks to strengthen institutional accountability and transparency.
The second pillar, strengthening effective maritime governance, outlines the PCG’s key role in safeguarding the country’s maritime interest.
“The PCG’s sovereign patrols, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, will support the whole-of-government approach to assert our sovereignty and sovereign rights. We will stand on what is ours, and we will do so with dignity, integrity, and absolute resolve,” Supangan said.
The third pillar, Modernization and Capacity Building, aims to advance the development of the PCG’s capabilities to address evolving maritime safety and security challenges.
The fourth pillar, Strategic Partnerships and Cooperation, focuses on enhancing PCG collaboration with government agencies, international partners, and maritime stakeholders.
“As we face an era defined by shifting geopolitical tides and escalating maritime vulnerabilities, the PCG must stand as an unyielding vanguard, resolute in action, governance, and compassionate in service,” Supangan also said.
Supangan assured the public that the PCG, under his leadership, is ready and will remain an institution dedicated to service and hope.
“We will keep our enduring commitment to serve with professionalism, integrity, and excellence for the flag, country, and the Filipino people,” he said.