Marcos lauds PCG, including FL’s unit

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gave the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) a pat on the back for its volunteer service and continued support of the Coast Guard’s mission.

The First Lady has been a member of the PCGA Executive Squadron since July 2024 and was conferred the honorary rank of Auxiliary Vice Admiral.

During the Philippine Coast Guard’s 125th founding anniversary celebration in Manila on Friday, the President reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening the maritime force’s operational capabilities, maritime security readiness, and international cooperation to address increasingly complex challenges in the country’s territorial waters.

He underscored the importance of developing a capable and responsive Coast Guard to defend the country’s maritime interests, protect lives, and ensure the safety of Filipino communities.

The Chief Executive emphasized that the administration’s maritime security initiatives must remain anchored on national interests while promoting cooperation with international partners.

Protect int’l waters

“Equally important, the PCG continues to engage with international partners to safeguard the waters that connect our islands,” Marcos said.

“We can work with the world while remaining firmly guided by our national interest and without losing sight of our duty to the Filipino people,” he added.

The President noted that ensuring maritime safety and security is essential to protecting Filipinos’ livelihoods and welfare, particularly those whose communities and economic activities depend on the country’s vast maritime resources.

“The waters that connect our islands must be a source of opportunity for our people, not a source of fear or uncertainty,” Marcos said.