Marcos seeks stronger, more ready PCG amid maritime challenges

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday renewed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the capabilities and readiness of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in order to better respond to evolving maritime issues.

In his speech during the PCG’s 125th founding anniversary celebration, the President lauded the efforts of the coast guard in watching over the Philippine waters for many years now, protecting lives and answering the call of Filipinos in times of uncertainty.

“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.

“With capable personnel, sound leadership, and unwavering dedication to the Filipino people, I am confident that we can fulfill this mission,” he added.

The President also acknowledged the contributions of the PCG in safeguarding the marine environment and biodiversity through coastal clean-up and tree-planting activities.

He noted that the PCG also continues to engage with international partners to protect the waters that connect Philippine islands.

“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,” Marcos said.

“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 also reported that the agency conducted more than 1 million pre-departure inspections of vessels at ports nationwide to ensure the safety of maritime passengers.

He said the PCG also rescued or pre-evacuated almost 95,000 individuals through its search-and-rescue operations and assisted close to 138,800 people during disasters and emergencies. — RSJ, GMA News