ALUMNUS SPOTLIGHT - Defense Security Cooperation University

This Institute for Security Governance spotlight series highlights alumni of ISG programs whose exposure to defense governance and capacity building concepts, and interaction with ISG personnel, have had a significant impact on their area of expertise. In this edition, the spotlight focuses on ISG alum Rear Admiral (RADM) Roy Echeverria, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), who first interacted with the Institute in 2018 when he participated in the “Civil-Military Approaches to Maritime Security” resident course held at ISG headquarters in Monterey, California. In line with his impressive career, RADM Echeverria is currently serving in two offices and in two positions: as the Commander of the Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Command (MARSLEC), he is responsible for formulating policies, rules, and regulations pertaining to the implementation of the Philippine Coast Guard’s maritime law enforcement functions. In the Office of the President of the Philippines (OP), he serves as the Director of the National Coast Watch Center (NCWC) and is responsible for overseeing the administration of daily operations of the Center; facilitating inter-agency information sharing programs; and providing regular maritime reports to the Chairman of the NCW Council. 

When asked how his experience at ISG influenced his career, RADM Echeverria noted several significant impacts from ISG’s Maritime Security education programs: “My participation in ISG’s ‘Civil-Military Approaches to Maritime Security,’ provided me a wonderful opportunity to widen my perspective in dealing with maritime security issues in my capacity as a senior ranked Coast Guard Officer. I firmly believe that this course is one of the key elements in my accomplishments when I was the Commander of Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao and even to this day in both positions.” RADM Echeverria’s connection with ISG has continued into 2022 with his hosting of an ISG Maritime Domain Awareness course held at the Philippines’ NCW in Manila for senior-level Navy, Coast Guard, and civilian officials.

ISG Maritime Security Functional Lead, CAPT USN (Ret.) Mr. Tim Doorey, articulated his appreciation for RADM Echeverria and the long-standing partnership with the Philippines maritime community, noting that the projected growth of the Philippine Coast Guard in the years to come makes the PCG one of the most important U.S. MARSEC partners. He went on to say, “The Philippine Coast Guard is growing by leaps and bounds. Their current strength is 26,000, up from 16,000 in 2016. The force is projected to grow even more in the years to come.  

With this future growth and recognizing the importance of bringing together maritime law enforcement (MLE) agencies and resources, RADM Echeverria and the NCW Center serve as important conduits for Philippine MLE agencies and international organizations. Echoing many of the refrains of ISG’s Institutional Capacity Building goals and efforts, RADM Echeverria made clear that, “as the demands and complexities of maritime challenges evolve in the Philippines, building and maintaining partnerships is a crucial aspect of maritime security and governance. Continued collaborative efforts with relevant agencies and stakeholders will facilitate easier coordination and information sharing.”

The opportunity to work together with effective leaders like RADM Echeverria and to continue to support their professional development demonstrates how ISG’s multi-pronged approach to Institutional Capacity Building positively contributes to Security Cooperation with partners and allies.  

RADM Roy Echeverria is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (1993) and joined the Navy and later on the Philippine Coast Guard in 1997. He obtained his Master in Maritime Policy from the University of Wollongong in New South Wales, Australia in 2006. Prior to his current stint as Commander, MARSLEC and Director, NCWC, his major assignments include Commander of the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM); Commander of the Coast Guard District Palawan; Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Human Resource Management at the PCG National Headquarters; and, as Station Commander of eight (8) different Coast Guard Stations in Davao, General Santos, Zamboanga, Jolo, Cotabato, Pagadian, Bongao and Cagayan de Tawi-tawi.