PH Coast Guard appoints first female spokesperson

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday, April 20, announced the appointment of Captain Noemie Guirao-Cayabyab as the first female spokesperson in the agency’s 123-year history.

The PCG said Cayabyab will lead communications on the agency’s key initiatives, represent the organization in national and global conversations, and amplify the organizational efforts towards a more diverse and empowered future.

“The steady rise of women in leadership positions in the PCG is the culmination of decades of perseverance, shattering glass ceilings, and breaking barriers in the 21st century,” PCG Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said.

Cayabyab, a Romblon native, is a member of the Coast Guard Officer Course "SANDIWA" Class 07-05.

Prior to her appointment as spokesperson, she served as the Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Education and Training (CG-12).

She has held several key leadership roles, including commanding the Vessel Safety Service Unit, where she oversaw the review and approval of the now updated Pre-Departure Inspection Checklist for domestic vessels.

Cayabyab also pioneered the establishment of the PCG Pension and Gratuity Management Center and held significant positions in the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog and Coast Guard Education, Training, and Doctrine Command.

The captain was also the only Filipina and Coast Guard officer who received a Dean’s Award for outstanding achievement in her Master of Policy Studies in Maritime Safety and Security Policy at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in Tokyo, Japan in 2021.

“With her professional endeavor and countless achievements rooted in excellence, Captain Cayabyab PCG bears a symbol of dedication, strength and impact — qualities that make her a natural fit for this trailblazing role,” PCG said.

Cayabyab replaces Rear Admiral Armando Balilo who retired after over 30 years in the Coast Guard service on September 30, 2024.