Beyond The Call of Duty: Coast Guard Athletes Chase International Glory

Bell-Kenz Pharma joins the Coast Guard Special Service Center (CGSSC) in honoring and sending off Coast Guard athletes who will represent the Philippines in major international competitions across Asia, underscoring a shared commitment to health, readiness, and national pride.

Pole vaulter Riezel Buenaventura, representing the Enplus Gold brand, is set to compete at the 2026 World Masters Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea, from August 22 to September 3. 

Buenaventura has won silver in the World Masters Championships 2024 in Sweden and placed 6th in the World Masters Indoor Championships 2025 in the USA.

Meanwhile, 2020 Tokyo Olympics silver-medalist boxer Nesthy Petecio and two-time Olympian weightlifter Elreen Ando will headline the Philippine Coast Guard athletes in the coming 20th Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan next month.

They will be joined by judoka Khrizzie Pabulayan, beach volleyball player Lerry John Francisco, and kurash player Jackielou Escarpe. Pabulayan has won a gold medal in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand while Francisco competed in Rebisco Asian Volleyball Confederation Beach Tour Nuvali Open in April last year.

On the other hand, Escarpe becomes the first Filipino to win gold for Kurash in the 2021 Southeast Asian Games.

As part of its partnership with the PCG, Bell-Kenz Pharma is extending nutraceutical support intended to complement the athletes' training, recovery and competition preparations under the guidance of their coaches and medical teams.

"Our Coast Guard athletes show that service to the country can take many forms. Whether they are responding to emergencies or competing on the world stage, they carry the same discipline, courage and commitment. Bell-Kenz Pharma is proud to support their health and wellness as they represent the Philippines," said Patrick Larraga, Corporate Branding and Public Affairs Head of Bell-Kenz Pharma.

The initiative forms part of Bell-Kenz Pharma's commitment to help make life better by supporting programs that promote health, wellness and excellence. It also strengthens the company's partnership with the PCG in helping Coast Guard personnel remain physically and mentally prepared to perform their duties and pursue excellence beyond the service.

As the athletes begin their international campaigns, the PCG and Bell-Kenz Pharma are calling on Filipinos to rally behind them and celebrate the dedication required to serve the nation and compete for the country's honor.