PHILIPPINE Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Melquiades A. Robles has been elevated to the rank of Rear Admiral in the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA).
The promotion from Auxiliary Commodore was officially conferred during a ceremony held at the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Headquarters on October 5, 2026.
Reflecting on his new rank, Robles emphasized that the promotion serves as a renewed platform for public service.
“For me, public service is about being present when people need help,” Robles stated. “It is about finding ways to respond to their needs and making sure that the assistance reaches those who need it.”
Robles also highlighted the vital partnership between the PCSO and the PCG, noting that the Coast Guard plays an instrumental role as a logistics partner in transporting relief supplies and delivering aid to communities struck by calamities and emergencies.
“At alam din natin ’yan kasi ang atin pong supplies na ipinararating, Philippine Coast Guard rin po ang ating katuwang,” he added.
The latest recognition follows closely on the heels of another accolade received by the PCSO chief.
Just weeks prior, on September 24, 2026, Robles was awarded the PCGA Merit Medal and Ribbon at the PCG headquarters in Manila in recognition of his volunteerism, compassion, and continuous efforts to advance the welfare and morale of PCG personnel.
In his acceptance speech, Robles reaffirmed his dedication to working hand-in-hand with his fellow PCGA officers, highlighting that institutional titles carry weight only when directed toward helping others.
“Because at the end of the day, our positions, titles, and ranks are meaningful only when we use them to serve others,” he stressed.