President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to modernizing the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) during its 74th anniversary celebration on Thursday.
“We are committed to building a stronger and more comprehensive defense posture by investing in modern infrastructure, upgrading facilities—facilities that will boost your operations,” Mr. Marcos said in his keynote speech at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
The President underscored that the PMC’s modernization will remain a priority of his administration, ensuring that the naval infantry force aligns with the evolving defense needs of the country. He praised the corps for protecting Filipinos and safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.
“Your unwavering commitment to duty—whether on land or on sea—has been instrumental in shaping the security landscape that we continue to build on today,” President Marcos said.
Established in 1950 as Alpha Company and later expanded into the Philippine Marine Corps in 1995, the PMC has played a pivotal role in coastal defense, combined arms support, and counterinsurgency operations, particularly in southern Philippines.
More recently, the corps has taken on humanitarian assistance and disaster response initiatives as part of its evolving mission.
President Marcos also paid tribute to the PMC’s rich history and the sacrifices of its personnel, calling on the Marines to embody the dedication and excellence that have long characterized the corps.
He urged them to pass on these values to future generations, reinforcing the PMC’s role in building a secure and prosperous Philippines.
“What started as a volunteer group has grown into a capable force under the Philippine Navy, entrusted with a critical mission—to safeguard our maritime sovereignty, counter insurgency, and stabilize areas of conflict,” he added.
