Marcos tells PCG to build on 125-year legacy of service
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday called on the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to build on its 125-year legacy by strengthening its capabilities, professionalism, and readiness to confront increasingly complex maritime challenges.
Speaking during the PCG’s 125th founding anniversary celebration at the Eva Macapagal Super Terminal in Manila, Marcos said the occasion should serve not only as a tribute to generations of Coast Guard personnel but also as a reminder of the institution’s responsibility to prepare for the future.
“Each generation must be ready to carry that mission forward,” Marcos said.
The President emphasized that the country’s evolving maritime environment requires a Coast Guard capable of protecting lives, securing Philippine waters and responding effectively to emergencies.
He expressed confidence that the PCG could fulfill its expanding responsibilities through capable personnel, sound leadership and unwavering dedication to public service.
Marcos said the agency’s mission has become even more important as the Philippines strengthens its cooperation with international partners while protecting its maritime interests.
“We can work with the world while remaining firmly guided by our national interests,” he said.
The President also emphasized that Philippine waters must continue to provide opportunities for economic development, transportation, and livelihoods rather than become sources of fear and uncertainty.
Highlighting the PCG’s accomplishments over the past year, Marcos reported that the agency conducted more than one million pre-departure vessel inspections at ports nationwide to ensure passenger safety.
Coast Guard personnel also rescued or preemptively evacuated nearly 95,000 individuals and assisted close to 180,000 others during disasters and emergencies.
These included search and rescue operations following the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3 off Basilan and the delivery of food packs and water desalination facilities to Catanduanes in the aftermath of Typhoon Uwan.
Marcos also recognized the agency’s environmental protection initiatives and the contributions of Coast Guard families whose sacrifices allow personnel to fulfill their duties.
He encouraged younger members of the service to draw inspiration from outstanding personnel and units recognized during the anniversary celebration.
Meanwhile, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan expressed gratitude to Marcos for supporting the agency’s modernization and prioritizing the welfare of its personnel.
“Our deepest gratitude for the continued trust, support to our massive modernization, and genuine concern for the welfare of our personnel, which have strengthened our ability to serve the country,” Gavan said.
“Maraming salamat po, Mr. President, sa inyong patuloy na paggabay at pagtitiwala. Sisikapin po naming maging karapat-dapat sa tiwalang iyan sa bawat araw ng aming paglilingkod (Thank you very much, Mr. President, for your continued guidance and trust. We will strive to be worthy of that trust every day of our service),” he added. (Wilnard Bacelonia/PNA)
