President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) operational capabilities, maritime security readiness, and international cooperation to address increasingly complex challenges in the country’s territorial waters.

Speaking during the PCG’s 125th founding anniversary celebration, President Marcos underscored the importance of developing a capable and responsive Coast Guard to defend the country’s maritime interests, protect lives, and ensure the safety of Filipino communities.

“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,” the President said.

The Chief Executive emphasized that the administration’s maritime security initiatives must remain anchored on national interests while promoting cooperation with international partners.

“Equally important, the PCG continues to engage with international partners to safeguard the waters that connect our islands,” President Marcos said.

“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,” the President added.

The President noted that ensuring maritime safety and security is essential to protecting the livelihood and welfare of Filipinos, particularly those whose communities and economic activities depend on the country’s vast maritime resources.

“The waters that connect our islands must be a source of opportunity for our people, not a source of fear or uncertainty,” President Marcos said.

Highlighting the PCG’s accomplishments over the past year, the President reported that the agency conducted more than 1 million pre-departure inspections of vessels at ports nationwide to ensure the safety of maritime passengers.

The Coast Guard 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.

President Marcos cited that among the operations were the search-and-rescue efforts following the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3 in Basilan.

The President also recognized the PCG’s humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations, including the delivery of family food packs and water desalination units from Manila to Catanduanes after Typhoon Uwan.

Beyond maritime security and emergency response, the President acknowledged the agency’s contribution to environmental protection through coastal clean-up drives, tree-planting activities, and other initiatives aimed at preserving marine biodiversity.

President Marcos said these accomplishments demonstrate the Coast Guard’s expanding responsibilities in protecting the country’s maritime domain and serving communities across the archipelago.

“For a century and a quarter, the Philippine Coast Guard has stood watch over our waters, protected lives, and answered the call of our people in times of uncertainty,” the President said.

President Marcos also paid tribute to Coast Guard personnel assigned to ports, stations, vessels, aircraft, and communities nationwide for their dedication and sacrifices in fulfilling their duties.

“Magpakatatag kayo. Nakikita at ramdam namin ang inyong paglilingkod,” the President told Coast Guard personnel.

President Marcos likewise recognized the contributions of the PCG Auxiliary, including First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, for their volunteer service and continued support of the agency’s mission.

The President expressed confidence that the PCG, backed by capable personnel, effective leadership, and continued institutional strengthening, would remain prepared to fulfill its mandate amid evolving maritime challenges.

“With capable personnel, sound leadership, and unwavering dedication to the Filipino people, I am confident that we can fulfill this mission,” President Marcos said. | PND