Ursabia was appointed the 27th commandant of the Coast Guard effective June 1, the same day that Garcia retired after 35 years of service.
Ursabia is the current commander of the PCG – Marine Environmental Protection Command and the Task Group Laban COVID-19 Water Cluster.
He started his military career in 1983 when he entered the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and graduated as a member of “Hinirang” Class of 1987.
Ursabia was among the three flag officers of the Coast Guard who were recommended to take over the helm of the organization. His appointment came on the same day when the Coast Guard reported his inclusion in the short list.
He pursued a Master of Science Degree in Maritime Safety and Environmental Protection as a scholar of Sasakawa Foundation, Japan, and eventually earned his post-graduate degree from the World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmo, Sweden in 1999.
In his more than 36 years of service, Ursabia held various positions with major responsibilities, both in the Philippine Navy and the PCG.
Prior to being the commander of the PCG – Marine Environmental Protection Command, Ursabia became the commander of Coast Guard Districts in Central Visayas, Palawan, Southeastern Mindanao, and Northern Luzon, as well as the Commander of the Coast Guard Ready Force and Staff for Maritime Safety Affairs.
“As a seasoned mariner with seven years of sea experience, VADM Ursabia earned the most coveted Command-at-Sea Badge as he commanded three Coast Guard Search and Rescue vessels namely: BRP Romblon (SARV-3503), BRP Davao Del Norte (SARV 3504), and BRP Pampanga (SARV 003), as well as three Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 30-meter patrol boats,” the Coast Guard said.
“I know that VADM Ursabia will continue the significant developments that as a leader at the helm, must be for the greater benefits of the Command,” Garcia said during the turnover rites.
Ursabia has been working on the deployment and operations of Coast Guard personnel as part of the national government’s efforts in ensuring the safety and security of the people amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
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