First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos lauded 21 Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officials who were recently promoted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in a ceremony at Malacañang.

“I am honored to witness the oath-taking of the 21 newly promoted Flag Officers of the Philippine Coast Guard. It was such a proud and meaningful moment, not only for our deserving officers, but for their families who have stood beside them through every challenge and sacrifice,” Mrs. Marcos said in a post on her official Facebook page.

“May you wear your new ranks with humility and carry them with the same courage, heart and dedication that brought you this far. Mabuhay ang Philippine Coast Guard,” she added.

The First Lady is a member of the PCG Auxiliary Command.

Greater responsibilities

During the rites, President Marcos urged the PCG flag officers to lead with courage and integrity as they take on greater responsibilities in protecting the country and its waters.

The President congratulated the officers, stressing that their new ranks carried responsibilities that directly affect Filipinos, particularly those whose lives and livelihoods depend on the sea.

“Our Coast Guard has been out on the water, patrolling the West Philippine Sea, escorting and supporting our re-provisioning missions there, and standing beside our fisherfolk in times of distress. Our Coast Guard has also been keeping our ports and travelers safe. They inspect vessels and look after millions of passengers moving through our ports,” Marcos said.

The Chief Executive said the PCG’s commitment to duty reflects the courage celebrated during National Heroes Day, which the country marked on 31 August.

“If there is one thing that this day reminds us of, it is that courage is built long before the moment it is tested. It is built through training, discipline, preparation, and the readiness to act when service calls for it,” the President said.

He noted how PCG personnel demonstrate courage in their daily work, including conducting search-and-rescue operations and responding to distress calls.

The President called on the newly promoted officers to lead by example, uphold the highest standards of integrity, prepare the next generation of PCG leaders, embrace innovation and modernization, and strengthen partnerships with other institutions.