Village Connect
Strengthening the physical endurance, teamwork, and operational capabilities of the country’s maritime defenders took center stage as Bell-Kenz Pharma joined forces with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for the ULTIMA Coast Guard Challenge, a two-day competition celebrating resilience, discipline, and commitment to public service.
Held on September 29 and 30, 2026, at the Philippine Coast Guard Academy in Bagac, Bataan, the event brought together 24 teams representing different PCG commands, districts, and units. The competition formed part of the Coast Guard’s 125th anniversary pre-celebration activities.
More than a sporting event, the challenge highlighted the importance of maintaining a physically fit, mentally prepared, and technically skilled workforce capable of responding to emergencies and protecting the country’s maritime interests.
Building Strength Beyond the Uniform
Coast Guard personnel regularly face demanding assignments, from maritime patrols and search-and-rescue missions to disaster response and coastal security operations. These responsibilities require not only specialized training and equipment but also exceptional endurance, sound judgment, and teamwork.
Recognizing these demands, Bell-Kenz Pharma supported the initiative as part of its commitment to promoting health and wellness among frontline public servants.
Patrick Larraga, Corporate Branding and Public Affairs Head of Bell-Kenz Pharma, expressed the company’s appreciation for the dedication of Coast Guard personnel.
“The reason why we 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.
He further emphasized that supporting the Coast Guard contributes to the nation’s overall security and economic development.
A Competition of Endurance and Excellence
The ULTIMA Coast Guard Challenge featured 11 stages divided into two phases, designed to measure participants’ physical conditioning, technical knowledge, and ability to perform under pressure.
The competition included endurance running, mission-ready fitness, seamanship, firearms proficiency, rubber boat carrying and recovery, lifesaving techniques, swimming, rescue swimming, Coast Guard law proficiency, and West Philippine Sea awareness.
Each stage challenged participating teams to demonstrate the practical skills, coordination, and determination essential to real-world maritime operations.
After two days of competition, the Philippine Coast Guard Academy claimed the overall championship, taking home ₱50,000, a perpetual trophy, and a selection of Bell-Kenz Pharma products, including Ultima, ProNerv, EnPlus Gold, and BioPro.
Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog finished second, receiving ₱30,000 and product gift packs, while the Coast Guard Education, Training and Doctrine Command secured third place with ₱20,000 and additional wellness products.
The organizers also honored the ULTIMA 10, recognizing winning teams across the individual competition stages for their outstanding performances and specialized capabilities.
Supporting Those Who Protect Philippine Waters
Captain Cheryl D. Boblo, Chief of Staff of the Coast Guard Human Resource Management Command, underscored the importance of continuous training and adaptability as maritime security challenges become increasingly complex.
“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.
She also reminded participants that the organization’s greatest strength extends beyond modern equipment and operational resources.
“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.
For Bell-Kenz Pharma, the partnership reflects a broader commitment to supporting the people responsible for safeguarding Philippine waters.
By encouraging fitness, wellness, and professional excellence, the ULTIMA Coast Guard Challenge demonstrated how collaboration between the private sector and government institutions can help strengthen frontline readiness.
As the Philippine Coast Guard continues its mission of protecting lives, securing maritime territories, and serving coastal communities, initiatives like this reinforce an important message: a stronger and healthier Coast Guard contributes to a safer and more resilient Philippines.
For more information about Bell-Kenz Pharma, visit www.bell-kenz.net.
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