Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan has been conferred the Ordre national du Mérite (National Order of Merit), Officer rank, by the Government of France in recognition of his public service and contributions to strengthening maritime cooperation between the Philippines and France.
The award, the second-highest national honor in France just behind the Legion of Honor (Légion d’honneur) , was formally presented during a ceremony held in Makati City on June 22, 2026 by French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel.
In her citation, Fontanel highlighted Gavan’s leadership in advancing PCG modernization initiatives and his role in promoting maritime security cooperation anchored on international law, as well as efforts to deepen operational ties between the two countries.
Gavan expressed appreciation for the distinction, saying it reflects not only his individual service but also the collective efforts of personnel under the PCG in support of national maritime responsibilities.
He emphasized that the recognition belongs to the organization as a whole, noting that sustained progress in maritime security and capability development is the result of coordinated work across multiple generations of service.
The PCG chief also underscored the importance of Philippine–French maritime relations, citing cooperation in maritime safety, humanitarian response, and capability enhancement as key areas of engagement.
He pointed to the French-built BRP Gabriela Silang as a symbol of the continuing defense and maritime partnership between Manila and Paris, describing it as evidence of mutual trust in operational cooperation.
The French Embassy said the conferment reflects the strengthening strategic maritime partnership between the two countries and their shared commitment to upholding international law, freedom of navigation, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.