After more than two decades as the face of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and its operations, Rear Admiral Armando Balilo officially retired on September 30 from his post as spokesperson, concluding a distinguished 30-year career in public service.

During a turnover ceremony on September 27 attended by Maritime Fairtrade at the PCG headquarters in Manila, Balilo relinquished his role to Commodore Algier Ricafrente, marking a significant transition in the PCG’s communication and public affairs landscape.

Balilo, who had served as the country’s Coast Guard spokesperson since 2003, reflected on his long journey during the ceremony. His career saw him representing the PCG in times of crisis, maritime disasters, and national calamities.

In his farewell address, Balilo emphasized that serving as a spokesperson for the country’s Coast Guard involved more than merely representing the organization. 

“It is about bridging the gap between the PCG and the Filipino people. We disseminated maritime policies to the public while also bringing their concerns to the leadership. We built a two-way street, apt for a public service-oriented institution like the PCG,” he said.

Balilo expressed deep gratitude to the media, government agencies, and his colleagues, highlighting the strong relationships he had cultivated throughout his years of service.

“We all grew old together in this industry. I was with you when I was still a commander 20 years ago. Thank you for the depth of our shared experiences,” Balilo said in Tagalog, addressing the gathered stakeholders and media. “Above all, thank you for giving due recognition to our organization… through the stories you write and report to the public.”

Rear Admiral Armando Balilo. Photo credit: Philippine Coast Guard 

Legacy built on trust and communication 

Balilo’s career as PCG spokesperson spanned 19 commandants, during which he became the trusted voice of the organization.

His role as the head of the Coast Guard Public Affairs Service (CGPAS) positioned him as a central figure in delivering accurate, timely information to the public during national emergencies, maritime incidents, and typhoon response operations.

“Whenever there is a crisis or problem involving the PCG or any of its members, you always approach us to hear our side of the story,” Balilo noted in his speech. “You always give us an opportunity to effectively manage all crises by reporting balanced, accurate, and truthful news reports.”

“Even though the times have passed when we stayed overnight at headquarters to monitor every calamity due to the rise of social media, our relationship remains strong and reliable,” he added.

Balilo emphasized the pivotal role of social media in modern communication, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the need for timely and accurate information became more critical than ever.

He credited the rise of digital platforms for expanding the reach of the PCG’s public affairs operations, enabling them to connect with millions of Filipinos.

“This year, more than one million netizens are now following the official Facebook page of the PCG,” Balilo proudly said. “We have also established an active presence on X (formerly Twitter), where you frequently mention us in breaking news and reports. Social media has been our ally in keeping Filipinos informed.”

Thanking the media 

Balilo’s speech also included a heartfelt acknowledgment of the PCG’s close collaboration with media partners, whom he credited for their support in conveying the organization’s efforts to the public.

He described the media as an indispensable partner in ensuring transparency and building public trust in the PCG’s work.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to our media partners who treat the PCG with respect and honor. Whenever there is a crisis or problem involving the PCG or any of its members, you always approach us to hear our side of the story,” said Balilo.

“You always give us an opportunity to effectively manage all crises by reporting balanced, accurate, and truthful news reports.”

“To our media partners, I hope our good relationship continues. Thank you for always supporting us, no matter who the PCG spokesperson is,” Balilo added.

He also emphasized the crucial role that effective communication plays in securing resources for the PCG’s operations.

According to Balilo, the trust built with lawmakers has been instrumental in obtaining budget increases and resources for expanding personnel and building additional ships.

“I always remind the Coast Guard Public Affairs Service personnel that their role is important because they strengthen the trust of lawmakers in our organization. When we need a budget increase, it becomes easier to defend during hearings because they know that every peso of taxpayer money is being used to provide reliable service,” Balilo explained.

Commodore Ricafrente (right) salutes Rear Admiral Balilo during the turnover ceremony. Photo credit: Liz Lagniton

Welcoming the new spokesperson  

With Balilo’s retirement, the PCG welcomed Commodore Algier Ricafrente as the new spokesperson and acting commander of the CGPAS.

Ricafrente, who also holds the position of Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for International Affairs, is expected to continue the work Balilo began, ensuring that the PCG remains at the forefront of public communication and transparency.

Balilo expressed confidence in Ricafrente’s ability to lead, calling on the media and stakeholders to extend the same trust and support to the new spokesperson.

He also urged the public to warmly welcome Ricafrente as the new spokesperson for the country’s Coast Guard and continue to support the PCG in fulfilling its mandated functions.

“I hope that this turnover ceremony will further ignite our desire to transform the nation through stories that are truthful, useful, and worthy of dissemination. Let us keep strengthening our relationship as we work towards providing better service to the Filipino nation,” Balilo said.

For his part, Ricafrente acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with succeeding Balilo, noting the high bar set by his predecessor.

“Rest assured that the relationship we forged will continue to flourish, and I commit to helping you deliver news that is balanced and true. I also appeal to you to provide me with the same support that you provided to Rear Admiral Balilo,” said the new PCG spokesman.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan presided over the event, which was witnessed by local and foreign media partners.

Top photo credit: Liz Lagniton. Rear Admiral Balilo (left) with PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan (center) during the turnover ceremony.