Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena assumed the post as new commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday, a day after he was appointed by President Benigno Aquino 3rd
to replace just retired vice admiral Edmund Tan.

Isorena became the 25th commandant of the country’s maritime law enforcement agency.
Aquino, in his speech during the turnover of command rites, challenged Isorena to continue the positive thrusts of his predecessor.

The President reminded the new commandant that their “bosses”—all Filipinos—expect him to fulfill his duties effectively.

Meanwhile, Aquino also promoted five senior Coast Guard officers to the rank of commodore.
He confirmed the promotions of Commodore Danilo Ubaldo, Commodore George Ursabia, Commodore Rolando Legaspi, Commodore Leopoldo Laroya and Commodore Ferdinan Velasco.

Belonging to the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1982, Isorena was recognized for his performance and achievements with numerous awards, decorations and commendations.

In May, Isorena was promoted to the rank of rear admiral in the Philippine Coast Guard Fleet, the largest operating unit of the Navy composed of highly technical and specialized operating units.

A seasoned officer in the Philippine Navy and later in the Coast Guard, Isorena was previously designated as district commander of four Coast Guard districts.

A product of the public school system, Isorena was a college freshman taking up Criminology when he successfully passed the examinations for Cadetship at the military school. He was commissioned as an Ensign in the Philippine Navy in 1982 and was assigned with the PCG since 1993.

Isorena is also a holder of a Master of Science Degree in Maritime Affairs major in Maritime Safety and Environment, awarded by the World Maritime University in Malmo, Sweden.