Jay Tristan Tarriela is a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officer holding the rank of Commodore, serving as the organization's spokesperson. He is recognized for his expertise in maritime security and policy, particularly regarding the West Philippine Sea territorial disputes.

Jay Tristan Tarriela
Spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard
Commodore
Assumed office
2023
Personal details
BornPhilippines
Alma materPhilippine Merchant Marine Academy (BS, MS)
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (MPP, PhD)
Known for
  • Spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard
  • Maritime security expert
  • Academic contributions to Coast Guard policy

Early life and education

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Tarriela holds a Bachelor of Science from the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy and a Master of Science in Maritime Education and Training from the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Graduate School. He also earned a Master of Public Policy degree from GRIPS and the Japan Coast Guard Academy. He was part of the first batch of the Maritime Safety and Security Program launched jointly by both institutions in 2016. [1] Tarriela completed a Ph.D. in Advanced Policy Studies in 2021 from GRIPS. His dissertation, titled "The Rise of the White Hulls in Southeast Asia: The Philippine Coast Guard Case," was completed under the GRIPS Global Governance (G-cube) Program. He was awarded the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) ASEAN Public Policy Leadership scholarship for his studies.[2]

Career

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Philippine Coast Guard service

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As the spokesperson for the PCG, Commodore Tarriela has been instrumental in communicating the organization's positions and actions, especially on maritime security and territorial integrity concerning the West Philippine Sea. His role involves public relations, strategic communications, and engagement with international media.

Academic contributions

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Tarriela has made significant contributions to maritime security literature and policy discussions. His research focuses on:

  • Maritime security in Southeast Asia
  • Coast Guard modernization
  • Regional maritime cooperation
  • South China Sea territorial disputes

Public policy positions

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Maritime security advocacy

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Tarriela has been a vocal advocate for strengthening maritime security in the Philippines. In March 2020, he published an analysis calling for the strategic recalibration of the Philippine Navy to address China's maritime actions in the South China Sea. His recommendations included:[3]

  • Modernization of naval assets
  • Enhanced operational readiness
  • Increased defense funding
  • Strengthened international partnerships, particularly with the United States

Electoral advocacy

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In October 2024, Tarriela emphasized the importance of electoral choices in maritime security. He urged voters to support candidates who prioritize the protection of the West Philippine Sea, highlighting the connection between political leadership and maritime sovereignty.[4]

Selected publications

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  • "The Rise of the White Hulls in Southeast Asia: The Philippine Coast Guard Case" (Doctoral Dissertation, 2021)
  • "Recalibrating the Philippine Navy's Strategic Direction" (2020)

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "CG Commodore Jay Tristan Tarriela". National Press Club of Australia. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
  2. ^ "Jay Tristan Tarriela - GRIPS Profile". National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies.
  3. ^ Jay Tarriela (March 3, 2020). "ANALYSIS: Recalibrate the Philippine Navy's compass before it even sets sail". Rappler.
  4. ^ Heidi Lacambra (October 21, 2024). "Voters urged to back candidates supporting WPS cause". Philippine News Agency.