Ex-Coast Guard chief Ursabia named DOTr undersecretary for maritime

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George Ursabia, Jr. | Photo courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard
  • President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed former Philippine Coast Guard Commandant George V. Ursabia, Jr. as undersecretary for maritime of the Department of Transportation
  • Ursabia’s appointment was issued on November 4, 2021

President Rodrigo Duterte appointed former Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant George V. Ursabia, Jr. as undersecretary for maritime of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Ursabia’s appointment was issued on November 4, 2021.

He received his appointment as PCG commandant in June 2020 and retired on September 8, 2021.

“I am confident that the skills and experience in the maritime sector of my good friend, Usec. Ursabia which were honed, and tested as a long-time commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard will prove most valuable to the DOTr,” Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade said in a statement.

Ursabia started his military career in 1983 when he entered the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and graduated as a member of Hinirang Class of 1987.

Later on, he pursued a Master of Science Degree in Maritime Safety and Environmental Protection as a scholar of Sasakawa Foundation, Japan, eventually earning this post-graduate degree from the World Maritime University in Malmo, Sweden in 1999.

In his 38 years of service, Ursabia held various positions both in the PCG and Philippine Navy.

Among these are commander of the PCG Marine Environmental Protection Command; commander of Coast Guard Districts in Central Visayas, Palawan, Southeastern Mindanao, and Northern Luzon;and commander of the Coast Guard Ready Force and Staff for Maritime Safety Affairs.

During his service, Ursabia earned the most coveted Command-at-Sea Badge for commanding three Coast Guard search and rescue vessels as well as three Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources patrol boats.

Ursabia was also the commander of the Task Group Laban COVID-19 Water Cluster, which was a joint effort of the PCG, Philippine Navy, and Philippine National Police-Maritime Group. He played a crucial role in the deployment and operations of PCG personnel as part of government forces tasked to ensure the safety and security of the Filipino people in this time of pandemic.