Port Area, City of Manila
October 22, 2024
“The story of the Philippine Coast Guard or PCG, mirrors the tale of our nation — a country defined by its relationship with the sea… Our maritime borders have borne witness to foreign vessels sailing in, some carrying the promise of trade, others cloaked in conquest,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conveyed as he and First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos led the 123rd Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Founding Anniversary in the City of Manila.
In his speech, the President noted that one of the earliest institutions established by the Americans was the coastal defense force, which safeguarded the Philippines’ shores from external threats and kept a watchful eye on the country’s seas for smugglers and contraband.
He further emphasized that the modest force of steamers patrolling the coastlines has evolved into a dynamic organization — the PCG — that guards the nation’s borders, implements marine laws and serves as first responders in times of calamity.
“The transition to a civilian agency in 1998 marked a significant change in how we approach maritime security and environmental protection… With the shift from a solely military function to a civilian coast guard, you have been positioned to engage in broader collaboration with other nations — opening doors to cutting-edge technologies and critical resources that now strengthen your ability to serve with greater competency,” he stated.
Patrolling a coastline that spans over 37 million kilometers and overseeing the country’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), he commended the PCG’s emergence as a key player in the nation’s maritime security, reflecting a commitment to service and exemplifying how to advance while remaining true to their core mission.
“While some see our waters as merely a boundary or a resource, you enlighten our people of its true significance — our seas connect us, sustain us, and are integral to our identity as Filipinos,” he remarked, highlighting that every rescue mission and every enforcement of laws against illegal fishing or environmental degradation sends a powerful message about what it truly means to serve the country.
Reaffirming the government’s support for the Agency’s efforts to improve their fleet, air assets, maritime domain awareness, weapons capability and necessary infrastructure development, the Chief Executive urged the Coast Guard to collaborate with other concerned agencies in fulfilling the organization’s mandate of ensuring the safety of life and property at sea and enforcing maritime laws.
“And so, as we mark this 123rd anniversary, let us not simply celebrate the past; we must commit to the future — a Bagong Pilipinas where the Coast Guard continues to symbolize courage, resilience, and steadfast dedication to our people,” President Marcos Jr. concluded in his speech.
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