(Photo courtesy of PCO)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) operational capabilities, maritime security readiness, and international partnerships amid growing challenges in the country’s territorial waters.
Speaking at the PCG’s 125th founding anniversary celebration on Friday, Marcos emphasized the need for a stronger and more responsive Coast Guard to safeguard Philippine maritime interests, protect lives, and support coastal communities.
“As we mark 125 years of the Philippine Coast Guard, let us look to the horizon with confidence and a renewed commitment to strengthening its capabilities and readiness to respond to increasingly complex maritime challenges,” Marcos said.
The President stressed that maritime security efforts must prioritize the country’s national interests while maintaining cooperation with international partners.
“We can work with the world while remaining firmly guided by our national interest and without losing sight of our duty to the Filipino people,” he said.
Marcos also highlighted the importance of ensuring that Philippine waters remain safe for communities whose livelihoods depend on fishing, maritime transportation, and other marine resources.
“The waters that connect our islands must be a source of opportunity for our people, not a source of fear or uncertainty,” he added.
The President cited the PCG’s accomplishments over the past year, including more than one million pre-departure vessel inspections conducted at ports nationwide to ensure passenger safety.
He said the agency also rescued or pre-evacuated nearly 95,000 individuals through search-and-rescue operations and assisted approximately 138,800 people during disasters and emergencies.
Among the operations highlighted were rescue efforts following the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3 in Basilan.
Marcos also recognized the Coast Guard’s disaster response initiatives, including the delivery of family food packs and water desalination units to Catanduanes following Typhoon Uwan.
Beyond maritime security, the President commended the agency’s environmental protection efforts, including coastal cleanups, tree-planting activities, and programs aimed at preserving marine biodiversity.
He said these accomplishments demonstrate the PCG’s expanding role in maritime safety, disaster preparedness, environmental protection, and humanitarian assistance.
“For a century and a quarter, the Philippine Coast Guard has stood watch over our waters, protected lives, and answered the call of our people in times of uncertainty,” Marcos said.
The President also paid tribute to Coast Guard personnel deployed across the country for their dedication and sacrifices in carrying out their duties.
“Magpakatatag kayo. Nakikita at ramdam namin ang inyong paglilingkod,” he told PCG personnel.
Marcos likewise acknowledged the contributions of the PCG Auxiliary, including First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, for supporting the agency’s humanitarian and public service missions.
He expressed confidence that continued institutional improvements, effective leadership, and dedicated personnel would enable the Coast Guard to respond to evolving maritime threats and emergencies.
“With capable personnel, sound leadership, and unwavering dedication to the Filipino people, I am confident that we can fulfill this mission,” Marcos said.
