President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday hailed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for its courage and service amid growing maritime challenges, vowing continued government investment in new ships, facilities, and welfare programs for its personnel.
Speaking at the PCG’s 124th Founding Anniversary celebration at the PCG Headquarters in Manila, President Marcos praised the agency’s steadfast commitment to safety, law enforcement, and humanitarian missions.
“The PCG works quietly and effectively. In these times when our seas face greater challenges, you remain steadfast, proving that courage knows no tides and that service knows no bounds,” the president said.
Mr. Marcos underscored the PCG’s frontline role in defending the country’s sovereignty and protecting fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea.
“When they see you carrying the flag at sea, they feel hope that the Filipino spirit will never yield and that they are always in the hearts and minds of all Filipinos and our uniformed services,” he said.
To support its expanding mandate, President Marcos announced the government’s ongoing investments in new vessels, aircraft, and communication systems, as well as the construction of key facilities including the PCG General Hospital, the Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center in Misibis, and a First Responder and Nursing Service Facility.
He also lauded the Coast Guard’s role in disaster response, citing its rescue of more than a million Filipinos during typhoons in the past two years and its quick deployment during the recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Cebu.
Within the first 72 hours after the quake, the PCG reportedly provided over a hundred medical interventions and delivered more than 30,000 food and relief packages to affected towns.
From January to September this year, the Coast Guard also ensured the safe passage of nearly 10 million passengers and seized about P2 billion worth of illegal drugs and smuggled goods, the president noted.
He also acknowledged the PCG as a model of efficiency and integrity in public service.
“When I see the PCG in action, I see what the best of government can look like, discipline, integrity, and excellence working as one,” he said.
The president urged the agency to continue restoring public trust in government through transparency and dedication.
“Our people’s trust in government has been shaken, but trust can be regained if we remain transparent and true to our mission,” the president said.
He ended his address by congratulating this year’s PCG awardees and reaffirming his faith in their continued service to the nation.
