George V. Ursabia, Jr.

Admiral George Villareal Ursabia Jr. (born September 8, 1965) is a Filipino Admiral who served as the former Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy "Hinirang" Class of 1987. Prior to his appointment, he served as commander of the Coast Guard Marine Environmental Protection Command, and the Task Group Laban COVID-19 (Water Cluster) under the Joint Task Force COVID Shield.

Early life and education He was born in Polomolok, South Cotabato, and finished his basic education with honors at the DOLE Philippines School in 1983, before entering the Philippine Military Academy and graduated as a member of the "Hinirang" Class of 1987. He also attended various courses locally and abroad, such as the Port State Control Officer's Course in Yokohama, Japan in 1995 and in 2002, the Comprehensive Crisis Management Course at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies at Hawaii, United States in 2010, conventions from the International Maritime Organization, and other numerous courses, meetings and seminars. He earned his Master of Science Degree in Maritime Safety and Environmental Protection (MSc, MSEP) as a scholar at the World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden, with the help of The Sasakawa Peace Foundation. He was promoted to the rank of Admiral on July 31, 2020.

2017 Graft Case Allegations In July 2017, Then-Commander Ursabia was one of the 25 officials facing alleged graft cases, due to an anomalous P67.5 million procurement scandal on office supplies and information systems in 2014. The Ombudsman filed administrative and possible dismissal from service charges on the 25 officials. However, in September 2019, Ursabia, along with the other 24 officials were cleared from charges due to lack of evidence.

Awards

2 Coast Guard Legion of Honor (Degree of Maginoo)

9 Distinguished Service Medals

Meritorious Achievement Medals 2 Coast Guard Bronze Cross Medals

15 Coast Guard Merit Medals

Coast Guard Auxiliary Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Operations Medal

Coast Guard Command-at-Sea Badge

Personal life He is married to Ms Agnes Chamos, a native from La Trinidad, Benguet, and they have two children, both licensed professionals.