Rear Admiral Jay Tristan Tarriela

Coast Guard Rear Admiral Jay Tristan Tarriela currently serves as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson on the West Philippine Sea and the Commander of the PCG West Philippine Sea Transparency Group.

He has become the face of the Philippines' transparency strategy in countering China's aggressive actions, provocative behavior, and bullying tactics in the region. Through his efforts, more Filipinos have gained awareness of the real story and the crucial stakes involved in our fight for sovereignty. Furthermore, his dedication to transparency has garnered international support, with the global community standing alongside the Philippines in condemning China's blatant violation of international law and its disregard for the rules-based order.

Rear Admiral Tarriela's extensive education has played a pivotal role in shaping his expertise. He completed his Ph.D. at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in Tokyo as a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) ASEAN Public Policy Leadership Scholar. He has also undergone rigorous military and coast guard training, both locally and abroad. Additionally, he holds a Master of Policy Studies from GRIPS and the Japan Coast Guard Academy, where he was among the first batch of the Maritime Safety and Security Program launched jointly by both institutions in 2016.

For being acknowledged for his scholarly engagement right after his doctoral degree, Rear Admiral Tarriela was chosen as an inaugural cohort of the 2021 Pacific Forum US-Philippines' Next Generation Leaders' Initiative. He has also been selected as a fellow of the 2021 East-West Center US-Philippines Alliance Fellowship in Washington, DC, USA.

In recognition of his remarkable contributions to the PCG's efforts in the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Jay Tristan Tarriela was honored with the prestigious Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. in 2023. This award acknowledges his invaluable contributions to transparency initiatives in the region. Additionally, he was bestowed with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung for Security and Innovation award in 2024, which recognized his tireless efforts in raising awareness among Filipinos about China's aggression in the West Philippine Sea and igniting a renewed sense of patriotism.