FILE PHOTO: President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of PCO
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has assured the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) that they are “never alone” in their mission to protect the nation.
He made the remarks during the 123rd-anniversary celebration of the PCG in South Harbor, Port Area, Manila on Tuesday.
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“This administration reaffirms its support to efforts that will improve your fleet and our air assets as well, to maritime domain awareness, weapons capability, and necessary infrastructure development. This will boost your capacity to respond to any operations,” Marcos said.
“Be assured you are never alone in carrying the weight of this mission,” he added.
Marcos also recognized the challenges faced by the PCG, such as climate change, rising sea levels, and geopolitical tensions.
“Patrolling a coastline that spans over 37 million kilometers and watching over our exclusive economic zone is no small feat,” he said.
“But to do this with the added weight of isolation, the dangers of unpredictable seas, and the constant pressure of protecting our resources—then it becomes more than just a job. It is a responsibility that speaks to the core of what it means to serve this country,” he added.
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During the ceremony, Marcos also presented awards to coast guard districts, stations, personnel, vessels, and aircraft that showed exemplary performance in the previous year.
First lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, and PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gavan were also present at the event.