Marcos: Public trust in gov’t can be restored through transparency, duty

Even if the people’s trust in the government is shaky at the moment, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. believes that this can be regained if government agencies are transparent and faithful to their sworn mandate.

He made the remarks at the 124th founding anniversary celebration of the Philippine Coast Guard in Manila on Thursday afternoon.

The President stressed that the PCG is one of the government agencies that make him believe in government personnel’s faith and dedication to their duty.

“When I see the PCG in action, I see what the best of government can look like. That is discipline, with integrity, with excellence working as one,” he said.

Marcos acknowledged that Filipinos’ trust in the government has been shaken amid recent controversies.

“I know that these are difficult times that we live in. Our people’s trust in government has been shaken; we cannot deny that. But I am certain that trust can be regained if we remain transparent and true to our mission,” he said.

He pointed out that whenever PCG personnel work during rescue missions or conduct day-to-day patrols, what the public sees is that “the government is still working diligently and is worthy of their trust.”

“Truly, the sea offers no defined path. It shifts and tests your steadiness. But I believe it also rewards those who stay the course and remain true to their mission,” the President added.

Marcos assured the PCG that the government is solidly behind them as they perform their mandate in serving the nation, adding that his administration will continue investing in new vessels, aircraft, command posts, and communication systems. 

“We will improve training, facilities, and logistics to provide every PCG personnel a sense of dignity in fulfilling their roles,” he said.

“We are also building facilities such as the PCG General Hospital, the Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center in Misibis, and the First Responder and Nursing Service Facility, among others, to ensure that your welfare, whether at sea or on land, remains a priority,” the President added.

During the celebration, Marcos also conferred the PCG Anniversary Awards to 16 outstanding recipients for their professionalism, dedication and exceptional performance.  

These awards include District of the Year, Station of the Year, Sub-Station of the Year, Ship of the Year, Small Aircraft of the Year, PCG Aircraft of the Year, Lighthouse Keeper of the Year, Non-Officer of the Year, Non-Uniformed Personnel Supervisor of the Year, and Non-Uniformed Personnel of the Year.

The Pasig River Lighthouse miniature was also presented to the President as a symbol of the PCG’s ongoing commitment to serve as a beacon of safety, security, and steady service in the country’s waters. — JMA, GMA Integrated News