Fulfilling his lifelong dream to be part of the military, Gerald Anderson was inducted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) as a squadron lieutenant on Monday, July 4.
Following his father's footsteps, the 27-year-old Filipino-American actor and TV producer was made part of the PCG's K9 Support Squadron. His father, Gerald Anderson Sr. and his brother, Ken, were also inducted as a captain and a lieutenant, respectively.
The 2006 Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition alumnus' newly established Gerald Anderson Foundation signed a partnership with the PCG to support the K9 Search and Rescue units in the country.
In an interview with Push, Gerald said that they're happy with the partnership with PCG. “Medyo malaking responsibility pero we’re happy kasi it’s a good partnership na nagtutulungan kami.”
Meanwhile, Ken, who have been training with his older brother for the past few months, wrote on his Instagram account that they promise to serve the Filipino people the best way they can.
“Just been inducted in to the Philippines Coast Guard. Proud to stand side by side with my father and brother, Commander Gerald Anderson Sr. LT Gerald Anderson Jr. We swear to serve the Republic of the Philippines in the best way we can,” Ken said.
Gerald's foundation currently has five trained dogs, which will be included in the Coast Guard's 16 teams of canines to be used for future search and rescue operations.
“Sa Japan, they have 250 teams and we have 16 for the whole Philippines. So kapag may nangyaring mas malaki and with just 16 teams so parang wow,” said Gerald. “Ang kinakatakutan natin ngayon eh ang The Big One. Di ba nag-shake drill tayo? So what if that happens ‘di ba?”
The Gerald Anderson Foundation has received great support since its launch in March. Several donations have been made for their kennel in Subic. Their pack of dogs also finished water search and rescue training two months ago.
Following the foundation's continuing success, Gerald said that they are to open the first-ever pet hospital at the PCG base in Taguig this Friday, July 8.
Gerald noted that they are far from stopping. “I’m throwing all my energy into something positive. It inspires me to live and to work,” he said.
“We’re very thankful, sobrang surreal rin ng experience ko kanina kasi pangarap ko talaga pumasok sa military. Parang kanina natupad ang pangarap na ‘yun. Nakakatuwa,” he continued.
Before the year ends, the foundation aims to increase the number of its K9 units to at least 30. In addition, the organization intends to mount environmental awareness events involving the youth.
Asked what being a lieutenant means, Gerald explained: "Ako ang in charge sa search and deployment at sa lahat ng equipment. Practically lahat because this is my baby eh so malaki ang responsibility because they look up to me for leadership.”
He underscored that he is taking part of the PCG program as a volunteer and not as a celebrity.
“Medyo madugo siya pero ang foundation parang may pamilya ka eh. Na everyday may bagong nangyari. But just like a family may purpose eh and fulfillment and kahit pagod kana.”
Source: Push
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