Consumer safety advocate and Qualibet Testing Services CEO Pinky Tobiano (ICA Batch ’88) was recently inducted into the Philippines Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) with the rank of commander.  The event was held at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan, Manila.

Tobiano, a cancer survivor, was recognized for her role in marine environment protection and preservation, particularly in spearheading the Save the Butanding movement in Donsol, Sorsogon.

Through her testing laboratory, Qualibet, Tobiano has been active with the Philippine Coast Guard in helping preserve marine life by safeguarding the shoreline water against oil and other toxic chemical spills.

“With the whale sharks, we check the heavy metal content of the water they live in.  These sharks need clean water to be able to breathe well.  That is why we test the water for mercury, arsenic, and lead content,” she explained.  “We use sodium bicarbonate to neutralize the water.” She is alerted by various PCGA squadrons whenever chemical, oil or fertilizer spills happen.  Just recently, she helped save six whale sharks along the shoreline of Donsol.

Guest of honor Commodore Danilo Cabalde, district director of the Coast Guard Auxiliary District-National Capital Region, lauded her inclusion in the list.

Cabalde said, “We need more strength to our movement.  With her time, talent, and commitment, we know we can achieve more in the areas of maritime safety and security as well as in maritime environmentalism.  We definitely want to recognize more people who positively contribute to society.”  Tobiano is also alerted by private agencies and the Coast Guard whenever ships capsize for potential chemical spills.

In addition, Tobiano is the founder of Pinky Cares Foundation, an institution that provides health seminars, consumer awareness and medical projects to strengthen the health of every Filipino.  The foundation works hand-in-hand with other government and non-government organizations to provide full service to Filipinos and design programs and projects that support and help the underprivileged Filipino people.

The Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary is a voluntary, unformed non-government organization, formed with a military structure and attached to the Philippine Coast Guard under the Development of Transportation and Communication.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary assists the Philippine Coast Guard in the enforcement of maritime laws, sea safety, and search and rescuer, marine environment protection and preservation, youth development, and humanitarian service.

Philippine Star, October 7, 2008 issue