MANILA, Philippines – The United States Coast Guard (USCG) Southeast Asia Training Team (SEATT) conducted its first-ever Leadership and Management School (LAMS) course in Southeast Asia, with the aim of developing future-ready leaders, foster innovation in maritime education, and deepen cooperation between the different coast guards.
According to the US Embassy in the Philippines, the course was conducted at the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) Fleet Training Center of Excellence in Balagtas, Bulacan, with 43 members of the PCG as its inaugural participants.
“LAMS has breathed new life into how we grow leaders at the PCG’s Fleet Education, Training, and Doctrine Development Institute. The impact is real; it’s building confidence, self-awareness, and a stronger sense of purpose among our people,” said PCG Commander Raquel Colarina of the Coast Guard Fleet.
The course, which ran from April 21 to May 2, was held over two separate one-week sessions and led by seasoned USCG trainers and attended by PCG personnel from key units such as the Coast Guard Fleet, Marine Environmental Protection, and Maritime Safety Services, the US Embassy mentioned.
The Embassy also mentioned that the course is using an experience-based curriculum that aims to enhance the leadership skills of junior-officer managers and non-officer supervisors.
Photo courtesy of US Embassy in the Philippines
The training places emphasis on discussions of leadership competencies and developing skills in the following areas: communicating effectively, influencing others positively, creating an environment that motivates performance, getting the job done while taking care of subordinates, encouraging personal ethics, and promoting teamwork, the Embassy said.
“Marking a milestone in international cooperation, the PCG and the USCG are not only sharing best practices, but also forging a unified approach to developing resilient, adaptive leadership in complex maritime environments,” said USCG instructor Senior Chief Operations Specialist Anastazya Lencz.
According to the Embassy, the SEATT program is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
The SEATT program aims to enhance cooperation among maritime law enforcement agencies in Southeast Asia and is poised to conduct more training events for the Philippine Coast Guard this year, the Embassy added.
