THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE: Bell-Kenz Backs Operational Readiness of the Philippine Coast Guard

BAGAC,BATAAN– Bell-Kenz Pharma supported the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Special Services Center in a two-day demonstration of their grit and resilience through the ULTIMA Coast Guard Challenge to ensure the operational readiness of Coast Guard personnel nationwide.

The activity, held from September 29 to 30, gathered participants at the Philippine Coast Guard Academy from across 24 dedicated teams from various Coast Guard Commands, Districts and Units as part of the 125th PCG Pre-Anniversary Activity.

The competition, which was divided into two phases, featured 11 challenging stages that tested their physical endurance, mental agility, and technical know-how.

The top three teams in the ULTIMA Coast Guard Challenge were recognized for their overall performance across all challenges, with the Philippine Coast Guard Academy coming out on top, walking away with Php 50,000, a perpetual trophy, and a gift pack of Ultima, ProNerv, EnPlus Gold, and BioPro. 

The Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog came close, ranking second place and bringing home Php 30,000 pesos and a gift pack of Ultima, ProNerv, and BioPro. The Coast Guard Education, Training and Doctrine Command ranked third and went home with Php 20,000 and a gift pack of Ultima and BioPro.

To cap off the competition, Bell-Kenz Pharma and the PCG honored the ULTIMA 10 or the winning Coast Guard teams for winning the individual competition stages.

The Philippine Coast Guard Academy won four stages: Stage 1 (Mission Ready Fitness), Stage 2 (Team Endurance Run), Stage 4 (Firearms Proficiency), and Stage 5 (Rubber Boat Carry). Meanwhile, the Coast Guard Education, Training and Doctrine Command secured victories in Stage 8 (1-Mile Swim) and Stage 9 (Rescue Swim).

On the other hand, the Marine Environmental Protection Command topped Stage 3 (Coast Guard Seamanship), while Coast Guard District Central Visayas prevailed in Stage 6 (Lifesaving Skills). Coast Guard Cyber Command won Stage 7 (Coast Guard Law Proficiency / West Philippine Sea Awareness), and Coast Guard District NCR-CL claimed victory in Stage 10 (Rubber Boat Recovery).

Patrick Larraga, Corporate Branding and Public Relations Head, emphasized the collaboration between Bell-Kenz Pharma and PCG as a way to contribute to the welfare, the well-being, and the health of the people who defend the country’s coastal waters and maritime borders.

“The reason why we also wanted to collaborate with the Coast Guard is we feel that we'd like to thank you for the great work that you do, and help you keep yourself fit to continue doing what you need to do for the country,” Larraga said.

“So for me it's really being able to contribute to the country, being able to contribute to the overall security and economic growth, ultimately, of this country,” he added.

Captain Jonathan S. Serote, Director of the Coast Guard Special Service Center, thanked the participants of the challenge. Meanwhile, Captain Cheryl D. Boblo, Chief of Staff of the Coast Guard Human Resource Management Command, noted that the competition should serve as an inspiration to better the Coast Guard participants in all aspects of their service.

“The challenges we face as a Coast Guard are constantly evolving, and we must remain adaptable, resilient, and always ready to answer the call of duty,” Boblo said.

“Let this event serve as a reminder that our strength lies not just in our assets and equipment, but in the unwavering dedication and exceptional capabilities of our personnel,” she added.

Bell-Kenz Pharma remains steadfast in supporting the health and well-being of Coast Guard personnel as they carry out their duty to protect lives and safeguard the country’s maritime borders. Through initiatives such as the ULTIMA Coast Guard Challenge, the company reaffirms its commitment to helping build a healthier, more resilient force ready to serve the Filipino people.