This year’s Pasidungug Keynote Speaker, CG Capt. Jonathan Marfil, Deputy Commander of Coast Guard District National Capital Region and Central Luzon, and Alumna of College of Maritime Studies (CMS) left useful points to the 556 awardees of University of Antique.

On his speech during the awarding which was held at PaghiUsA Hall, he urged the awardees to grow where they came from stressing that other people’s privileges can be compensated through hard work as he shared that he was then often questioned if where is PSCA (Polytechnic State College of Antique) by his colleagues who came from well-known academies.

“While I did not have the luxury or privilege to have come from these top-notch schools or academies, I compensated it with hard work, dedication and integrity so that a humble public servant from an unknown school in Bari, Sibalom, can also perform to the expectations set to us as an officer of the Philippine Coast Guard,” he stated.

He also stressed the importance of bouncing back every time they fall, maintaining their integrity, and having a balanced time between their work and family.

“While people may applaud you for what you have achieved in terms of awards and recognition, always remember that when you start your day every day, face the mirror and ask yourself, ‘Am I truthful to myself?’”

Capt. Marfil also mentioned the ongoing dispute in the West Philippine Sea where he was assigned to conduct law enforcement operations, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations; one that he considered as the most fulfilling endeavor that he could be proud of as a public servant.

“Although there are a lot of disinformation, fake news, media spins and issues which people and parties promote for their own interests, know that your Philippine Coast Guard is there to protect what is ours,” he assured after apologizing that he cannot disclose additional details regarding the issue as it is a confidential assignment that involves the national security.

Pasidungug is the ceremony that honors the excellence of Awardees and their parents.