President Ferdinand R. Marcos on Wednesday expressed assurance that his administration is behind the Philippine Coast Guard in its goal to modernize.

"As your leader, I assure you that this administration will always be behind you, supportive of your efforts and initiatives to modernize the Philippine Coast Guard, which will redound to the better delivery of service to the nation," the President said in his speech as he graced the 121st PCG founding anniversary held in Port Area, Manila.

During the event, the President also led the presentation of awards to the exemplary members of the PCG. He was assisted by Coast Guard commandant Admiral Artemio Abu.

The chief executive also toured BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-3801), the third biggest modern vessel in the Coast Guard fleet.

In his speech, Marcos encouraged the members of the PCG to continue the "dedication and persistence in your duties and responsibilities and move full throttle toward the realization of your vision to be a world-class guardian of the sea — committed to save lives, assure safer maritime transportation, ensure cleaner seas, and secure maritime jurisdiction."

"With the brave men and women of the Philippine Coast Guard, guarding our shores, I am confident that we will be able to steer our nation in a direction toward safer shores and even onward to a better, brighter, and more prosperous future," Marcos said.

The PCG is the country's oldest and only humanitarian armed service since its inception in 1901. It is now an attached agency of the Department of Transportation.

Also present during the PCG anniversary celebrations are DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo, National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos and Senator Francis Tolentino.