By Karren Jay G. Asgar
Congratulations to Commodore Glide Gene Mary Garcia – Sontillanosa of the Philippine Coast Guard on your recent appointment! CPU is incredibly proud of you!
Commodore Glide Gene Mary Garcia-Sontillanosa PCG, a proud graduate of Central Philippine University, has been appointed as a new official within the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) under the Department of Transportation. The announcement was made on September 23, 2024, via the official Facebook page of the Presidential Communications Office.
Hailing from Iloilo City, Commodore Glide Gene Mary Garcia-Sontillanosa PCG is a member of CGOC class 02-2001 “Matatag”. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Central Philippine University, Class of 2000. She is also a holder of Master’s Degree in Maritime Affairs Specialized in Maritime Education and Training at World Maritime University in Malmo, Sweden. Currently, she is the Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Human Resource Management, CG-1 and the Senior Head Executive Assistant of the Commandant, PCG. She is a supportive wife to Commodore Antonio B. Sontillanosa Jr. PCG and a loving mother to their two children, Glean Georgelle G. Sontillanosa and Gabrielle Anja Dominique G. Sontillanosa.
In an online interview, Commodore Garcia-Sontillanosa reflected on her college days, saying, “I was just a simple and typical college student. During my free time, I remember hanging around the halfmoon or at the football field area with my classmates and friends. I also remember often visiting the mini library located at the first floor of the AS building and just read anything there.”
In her biographical sketch, Commodore Garcia-Sontillanosa served as the Chief Plans and Policies and Chief Maritime Casualty Investigation Branch of the Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Maritime Safety Services, CG-8, Assistant Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for International Affairs, CG-5, Assistant Director, Maritime Studies and Strategic Concerns, and Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Logistics, CG-4. She was also designated as the Director of Maritime Safety Services Training Institute, Commander, Maritime Search and Rescue Group, Commander, Aids to Navigation Service Unit, and the Chief of Staff, Maritime Safety Services Command.
In her current position, she advises the Commandant on personnel issues, having regard to career, postings, promotions, recruitment, retirement, condition of service, and other concerns of officers, non-officers, and civilians in the PCG. When asked if what are her primary goals in her position, she shared, “My immediate goal is to ensure that my office is able to respond and pro-actively address the concerns, as well as to come up with initiatives pertaining to the career development, success and well-being of PCG personnel in line with the policies and programs of the Agency.”
Her having sailed through the capacity of the President of CPU English Society, Editor-in-Chief of the CPU-AS Voiceprints and Centralite has made her understand lessons on how to manage a team success. Her activities and engagement in different organizations and activities made her realized the significance of cooperation, collaboration, and working together towards the achievement of a common goal.
When asked how her involvement in CPU shaped her approach to leadership, she expressed her gratitude: “Being a Centralian provided me with an excellent academic tool to understand and ably perform my duties and responsibilities. But more than my educational background, CPU instilled in me the values of integrity, respect, humility, courage and faith which I embraced and uphold up to now.”
She also shared that working in the government, she has encountered countless experiences that have tested her character and fortitude. Every day, she shifts through various or confronts numerous scenarios and interacts with many people with different culture, faith, and aspirations from all over the world. The lessons, values, and passion for service she cultivated at CPU have made her resilient in the face of adversity.
As a sign of her dedication and commitment to the service, Commodore Sontillanosa PCG is a recipient of the following recognitions: Dangal ng Maharlika Award for Maritime Safety, Award of Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal and Ribbon, Award of Coast Guard Outstanding Achievement Medal and Ribbon, Award of Coast Guard Superior Achievement Medal, Award of Coast Guard Merit Medal and Ribbon, Award of Coast Guard Commendation, Award of Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal and Ribbon, Award of Presidential Citation, and Letter of Commendation and Appreciation from various offices.
To Centralians aspiring to build such career just like her, she offered this insightful advice: “Hold on to your dreams and keep your faith. Life often is a rollercoaster of ups and downs. But with God, nothing is impossible.”
The remarkable story of Commodore Glide Gene Mary Garcia-Sontillanosa serves as an inspiration to the community and a reminder of the potential that lies within each Centralian to make a significant impact in their chosen fields.