Duterte appoints retired PCG Commandant Ursabia as DOTr Maritime USec

Retired Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant George V. Ursabia Jr./Screengrab from the Facebook page of the Coast Guard Officers Course Alumni Association Incorporated

MANILA, Philippines—President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed retired Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant George V. Ursabia Jr. to be the Transportation department’s Undersecretary for Maritime.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Duterte formalized Ursabia’s appointment on Nov. 4.

The DOTr’s maritime sector is in charge of establishing safe, integrated and modernized means of marine transport.

Ursabia, who retired from his post at the PCG two months ago, has spent 38 years in service.

DOTr Secretary Art Tugade believes Ursabia’s knowledge and experience in the maritime sector will prove to be valuable as he takes on the new position.

“There is no doubt that Usec. Ursabia can steer the maritime sector to great lengths given his character, leadership style and experience,” he said.

According to DOTr, Ursabia- through his former role as PCG commandant- was able to boost the presence of the coast guard in the West Philippine Sea and the southern part of the country.

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