MANILA (UPDATED) -- First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos officially joined the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) on July 16 (Tuesday).

In a PTV Facebook post, PCG Spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said the First Lady was given an honorary rank of vice admiral and she thanked the PCG for its role in the West Philippine Sea.

The post also quoted Araneta-Marcos saying: "I join the PCG to inspire the men and women of the organization as they fulfill their duty to the country."

The PCGA is a voluntary uniformed non-government organization, with a military structure and attached to the Philippine Coast Guard.

It assists the PCG in promoting safety of life and property at sea and protection of the marine environment.

In a speech, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said Mrs. Marcos can help the PCGA as a "reinforcement" as her "mere presence exudes strength and compassion that drive actions and inspire results."

"Recently, the First Lady has participated in the rehabilitation of the Pasig River, which is in tune with the PCG’s efforts to preserve our rivers and seas. Like the Philippine Coast Guard, the First Lady embodies the highest ideals of service, dedication, and patriotism, and does so with unmatched grace and sophistication," said Gavan.

Gavan presided over the donning and oath-taking ceremony of the First Lady on board the BRP Gabriela Silang together with Department of Transportation Sec. Jaime Bautista. -- with a report from Michael Joe Delizo, ABS-CBN News