Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo received the challenge coin from Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Admiral Artemio Abu. Lamentillo said this marks the commencement of her plan to be part of its auxiliary force.

“As I receive the PCG challenge coin, my commitment is not only to work on being part of the PCG Auxiliary, but also to help inform about their mandate so we can encourage Filipinos to support the PCG’s work and even help protect our seas in their own way,” said the DICT official.

“The Philippine Coast Guard carries a very important mandate of protecting our seas, which is very essential for an archipelagic country like ours. They ensure maritime safety, secure our maritime territory, and protect our marine environment. They have a noble duty of saving not only human lives, but also marine life. It would be an honor to be part of the PCG auxiliary to support their work in ensuring the safety, security, and sustainability of our seas,” she added.

Lamentillo gave the PCG chief a copy of Night Owl, a book she authored when she was Build, Build, Build committee chair. It details the Build, Build, Build infrastructure program and its achievements, including the completion of 451 seaport projects, among others, in different parts of the country.