President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said that the country can now defend its "sovereign territory" as the Philippine Coast Guard strengthens its maritime defense capabilities amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

On the sidelines of the PCG's 122nd founding anniversary celebration at South Harbor's Pier 15 in Port Area, Marcos said PCG is already expecting around 40 more vessels made in Cebu amid the string of aggression by Chinese vessels against the country.

"We are increasing our capability to defend the maritime sovereign territory of the Philippines, so we are continuing with the upgrading of equipment, training, and the capabilities of all our people, especially the Coast Guard," Marcos said.

"Not only because we are on the frontlines and the problems now we are facing in the West Philippine Sea, but also because of the very important function they play when it comes to search and rescue, maritime incidents, even disaster assistance," he added.

The President made it clear that the goal of improving the Coast Guard's skills is not only to make the country safer in the West Philippine Sea but also to improve how it handles accidents and disasters at sea.

Marcos said the PCG will eventually have 40 40-foot ships, which will "give us more capability." He also said that the work is "ongoing."

He was also sure that the Philippines could buy more ships because the country "is lucky to have many friends around the world," including friendly countries in the area that want to help it with its plan to become more modern.

In his speech, Marcos thanked the PCG for its work to protect Filipino fishermen and the country's vast maritime area.

Marcos said that the honesty, discipline, and skill of the Coast Guard workforce have helped his government move toward its goal of a "stronger, more harmonious, and more resilient Philippines."

"Your accomplishments in the performance of your duty have consistently championed our country and our people's rights and welfare in the face of daunting adversity and difficulties," he told the PCG.

As part of its "extremely valuable and important" job, he told the PCG to keep working closely with other organizations that are involved.

Marcos assured the PCG that his administration firmly stands with them in their plans and efforts to improve, expand, and modernize the capabilities and services so that they may better contribute to the security and welfare of Filipinos.