President Ferdinand R. Marcos on Wednesday lauded the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for rising to the challenge when the government needed skilled workers at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When the pandemic came to the Philippines and we were in need of skilled workers to help in again another duty or another mission that was not originally the mission of the Philippine Coast Guard, yet the Philippine Coast Guard rose to the challenge and to this day are continuing that duty to help alleviate the problems brought about by COVID-19, and in your duty and in your service, you have saved many, many lives,” the President said in his speech at the 121st Founding Anniversary of the PCG.
The chief executive said for 121 years, the PCG has bravely performed maritime search and rescue operations, enforced maritime law, and ensured maritime safety, maritime security, and marine environmental protection, among others.
“I congratulate each and every one of you for this impressive record. This success speaks well of your loyalty, your perseverance, and also your triumphs in carrying out your mandates, as you continuously evolve into a more reliable, relevant agency over the years in the future,” the President said.
Marcos also recognized the work of the PCG during calamities and maritime incidents.
“Throughout your century-old narrative, you have never failed to heed the call of your fellow Filipinos, always in their time of need,” he said.
Marcos said the PCG continues to render valuable assistance to persons in distress to respond to various events requiring search and rescue operations, especially in times of natural calamities and disasters at sea.
The President said the Coast Guard takes a proactive stance in preventing and mitigating the risks associated with maritime incidents and weather disturbances.
Vital to law enforcement
Further, he said the PCG also conducts maintenance to lighthouses “to make sure that our fisherfolk and our ships are safely guided in their journey.”
In his speech, the President said PCG is crucial to the government’s law enforcement initiatives by ensuring and maintaining peace and order at sea.
“And the Philippine Coast Guard in the recent past has taken on many new duties. Critical of that is now you are the frontline in the defense of our maritime territory, in defense of our economic zones, in defense of our baselines,” he said.
“Although this may not have been originally part of the mission of the Philippine Coast Guard, you have nonetheless been performing that mission with honor, with skill, with dedication. And we in the — and the rest of the government counts on you to continue that good work,” the President said. (PND)
