The United States Coast Guard (USCG) Southeast Asia Training Team recently concluded its first Leadership and Management School (LAMS) course in Southeast Asia, targeting members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). Held from April 21 to May 2 at the PCG’s Fleet Training Center of Excellence in Balagtas, Bulacan, this program was attended by 43 PCG personnel.
Developed originally at the USCG Academy, the LAMS course aims to cultivate future-ready leaders and foster innovation in maritime education. It also seeks to deepen cooperation between the USCG and PCG. "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," stated PCG Commander Raquel Colarina.
Participants engaged in practical exercises such as evaluating subordinates during two separate one-week sessions led by experienced USCG trainers. Attendees included personnel from key units like the Coast Guard Fleet, Marine Environmental Protection, and Maritime Safety Services.
"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.
The LAMS curriculum focuses on enhancing leadership skills for junior-officer managers and non-officer supervisors. It emphasizes competencies such as effective communication, positive influence, motivation of performance, task completion with subordinate care, personal ethics encouragement, and teamwork promotion.
Funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the SEATT program plans further training events for PCG throughout 2025 to strengthen collaboration among Southeast Asian maritime law enforcement agencies.