The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced the appointment of its first female spokesperson and a graduate of an international premier policy school in Japan.

In a statement on Sunday, the PCG named Captain Noemie Guirao Cayabyab as spokesperson replacing Commodore Algier Ricafrente.

"Beginning today, she will lead communications on PCG’s key initiatives, represent the organization in national and global conversations, and amplify the organizational efforts towards a more diverse and empowered future", it stated.

In 2021, Cayabyab received the 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 being the only Filipina and a Coast Guard officer in her class to receive it.

"As a GRIPS alumna and the first female spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard, I am truly honored to represent both the institutions that have significantly shaped my professional journey", Cayabyab told The Daily Manila Shimbun in a Viber message

"The PCG greatly values its long-standing partnership with the Japan Coast Guard rooted in trust, mutual respect, and shared commitment in advancing a rules-based approach in our maritime engagement. Strengthening this cooperation remains a strategic priority particularly in the areas of maritime safety, security, and capacity building", she said.

"We look forward to expanding joint initiatives that enhance interoperability, people-to-people exchange, and regional maritime stability", she added.

Cayabyab is a member of Coast Guard Officers' Course (CGOC) Sandiwa Class 07-05 and currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Education and Training (CG-12). She also pioneered the establishment of the PCG Pension and Gratuity Management Center (now RBAS). Marie Manalili/DMS