President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lauded the efforts of the Philippine Coast Guard in safeguarding Philippine shores and helping the country grow.

According to Marcos, the PCG has stood as a vigilant force across the seas, calm in crisis, firm in mission, and unshakeable in their dedication to serve.

“Driven by your vision to become a highly professional, multi-missioned, and modernized maritime force, you have made enormous strides. From routine operations to moments of peril, your commitment has been strong and unwavering,” he said in his remarks before 29 newly promoted PCG flag rank officers.

Marcos noted that from January 2024 to March 2025, the PCG was able to conduct 2.7 million inspections at ports, covering pre-departure checks, vessel safety, emergency readiness, and port control.

“Behind every inspection is a promise: that every Filipino who sets sail will return home safely,” he said.

“Nearly 45,000 seaborne missions and over 3.1 million square nautical miles of patrols show both the scale of your responsibility and the depth of your determination. And in moments when lives hang in the balance, you have proven time and again: The Coast Guard is there. The Coast Guard never turns away,” he added.

In the same period, the PCG also responded to over 2,000 maritime incidents and rescued nearly 4,500 individuals who are able to tell a story of survival due to the heroism of the members of the PCG personnel.

“This is what sets the PCG apart: In the face of uncertainty, you show up. In the middle of the storm, you bring order. In the loneliest parts of our waters, you bring hope. And you go beyond protecting lives—you also protect what sustains life,” he said.

Marcos also lauded the agency’s response to the oil spill in Bataan, calling it a “defining moment” for the Coast Guard.

“You coordinated swiftly, acted decisively, [and] prevented further devastation to our marine ecosystems. That is what service looks like: anticipating, acting with purpose, and leaving no community behind,” he said.

Presence in the West Philippine Sea

Marcos, in particular, highlighted the PCG’s role in monitoring the West Philippine Sea.

“Your continued patrols across the Kalayaan Island Group, the Philippine Rise, and our other maritime zones reaffirm our unwavering commitment to our sovereign rights,” he said. “What you are doing is not only protecting territory. What you are doing is not only protecting citizens. You are defining for the rest of the world the territory of the Republic of the Philippines.”

Marcos said that this is the importance of the work that the PCG does.

The President reiterated that PCG missions are declarations of always standing for Philippine territories, with dignity, integrity, and strength.

In safeguarding the West Philippine Sea, the PCG has conducted 130 maritime patrols and domain awareness activities. In addition, the Coast Guard has displayed its ability to harness the power of cooperation, goodwill, and diplomacy, noting the partnerships forged with the United States, Japan, and other ASEAN neighbors.

“These are strategic actions that preserve peace, ensure the freedom of navigation, and protect the livelihoods of our fishermen who rely on these waters,” he said.

“We have made meaningful progress, but we must also recognize that the work is never over,” he added.

Coast Guard Ready – PBBM

Marcos also led the oath-taking of 29 newly promoted officers, which consisted of two new Vice Admirals, eight Rear Admirals, and 19 Commodores.

“This moment belongs to you, as well as to your families and your loved ones—those who have stood behind you, beside you, and at times, carried you through. We honor their sacrifices as we celebrate your achievements,” Marcos said.

“Your promotions are not merely steps in your careers—they are steps forward for yourselves, for the Coast Guard, but also for the nation. You now wear stars on your shoulders. May these remind you to embrace humility, lead with purpose, and serve with courage,” he added.

As agents of peace, particularly in Philippine waters, Marcos said the public looks to the PCG, together with the Philippine Navy and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, “to stand the ground in stormy seas and never waver in what is right.”

Before ending his remarks, Marcos reassured the PCG of his administration’s support in boosting capabilities through advanced vessels, new technologies, and support systems.

“Let us move forward together with clarity of purpose and unity of heart. We will sail toward a future that is peaceful, resilient, and sovereign. Because when the seas are rough, the nation looks to the ones who stand unwavering. And today, we can say with confidence: The Coast Guard is ready,” he said.