Barely a year has passed since I first joined this organization; a brief time during which serving our countrymen through all means possible, never felt so pure and great. It is also through this period that I was able to distinguish the genuine fulfillment of having a cause to adhere to and people to help, from the occasionally shallow joys of dining out, drinking or sharing gags with friends. Such a remarkable and meaningful experience, indeed.
Looking at it from the outside, however, presented some concerns to individual members up from the highest Auxiliary ranks down to the lowest.
Funds and finances seemed to be a common problem among squadrons whose members are not well off; members who are common citizens thriving from a measly income; members who have families to support.
There were folks who are very much interested to join, but were hindered by the fact that membership comes with a significant cost: Sets of tailor-made uniforms, pricey paraphernalia, membership fees, monthly dues, project contributions and other squadron bills.
There are missions that have to be postponed due to lack of funding, hence, fund-raising activities usually tops the list of squadron activities.
It is also in this light that older members of the Auxiliary necessitate pensions for the life-time worth of service they have selflessly rendered to the government and to the PCG.
Then again, who would ever have the heart to complain when there are people who are more in need? That at the end of the day, a grateful smile from a stranger you have helped on a rescue/relief/medical operations is enough to compensate for all your plights.
Twice I have listened to VAdm Higinio Mendoza PCGA speak about this matter. In his speech during the 2011 National Convention in Baguio and the Serenata last October, VAdm Mendoza echoed the concerns of his fellow Auxiliarists straight to the attention of the government authorities, particularly, the Department of Transportation of Communications (DoTC).
“We have been in existence for 37 years. With a heavy heart, we have felt that PCGA has been left behind as we are not getting enough pension and recognition. We are the only Auxiliary in the Far East operating without the support of the government; Auxiliaries from other countries are subsidized by their government. Nevertheless we are here to serve the community, we continue to operate with the expenses coming from our own pockets,” the Vice Admiral expressed.
This statement was proven correct when during my visit/training with the USCGA, I have learned that most of their operational expenses are shouldered by the government, hence, numerous and innovative projects are accomplished in less than a year.
As this year comes to its end, we at the PCGA, hopes for the best to come. Surely, our untiring support to the causes of the PCG will remain and we highly value the PCG’s efforts and appreciation, through the leadership of its Commandant, Admiral Ramon C Liwag. And as VAdm Mendoza declares, “Long live the PCG, and to the Auxiliary, let’s show them our best!”
Looking at it from the outside, however, presented some concerns to individual members up from the highest Auxiliary ranks down to the lowest.
Funds and finances seemed to be a common problem among squadrons whose members are not well off; members who are common citizens thriving from a measly income; members who have families to support.
There were folks who are very much interested to join, but were hindered by the fact that membership comes with a significant cost: Sets of tailor-made uniforms, pricey paraphernalia, membership fees, monthly dues, project contributions and other squadron bills.
There are missions that have to be postponed due to lack of funding, hence, fund-raising activities usually tops the list of squadron activities.
It is also in this light that older members of the Auxiliary necessitate pensions for the life-time worth of service they have selflessly rendered to the government and to the PCG.
Then again, who would ever have the heart to complain when there are people who are more in need? That at the end of the day, a grateful smile from a stranger you have helped on a rescue/relief/medical operations is enough to compensate for all your plights.
Twice I have listened to VAdm Higinio Mendoza PCGA speak about this matter. In his speech during the 2011 National Convention in Baguio and the Serenata last October, VAdm Mendoza echoed the concerns of his fellow Auxiliarists straight to the attention of the government authorities, particularly, the Department of Transportation of Communications (DoTC).
“We have been in existence for 37 years. With a heavy heart, we have felt that PCGA has been left behind as we are not getting enough pension and recognition. We are the only Auxiliary in the Far East operating without the support of the government; Auxiliaries from other countries are subsidized by their government. Nevertheless we are here to serve the community, we continue to operate with the expenses coming from our own pockets,” the Vice Admiral expressed.
This statement was proven correct when during my visit/training with the USCGA, I have learned that most of their operational expenses are shouldered by the government, hence, numerous and innovative projects are accomplished in less than a year.
As this year comes to its end, we at the PCGA, hopes for the best to come. Surely, our untiring support to the causes of the PCG will remain and we highly value the PCG’s efforts and appreciation, through the leadership of its Commandant, Admiral Ramon C Liwag. And as VAdm Mendoza declares, “Long live the PCG, and to the Auxiliary, let’s show them our best!”