President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday lauded the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for conducting 2.72 million inspections over the past 14 months, ensuring the safety of sea-going vessels across the country.
Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of 29 newly promoted Coast Guard officers in Malacañan Palace, President Marcos highlighted the importance of these extensive checks, covering pre-departure assessments, vessel safety, emergency readiness, and port state control, in safeguarding maritime travel and public welfare.
The President noted that from January 2024 to March 2025, the PCG conducted 2.72 million inspections, 44,777 seaborne missions, and patrolled over 3.1 million square nautical miles—demonstrating its vast responsibility and firm resolve.
In terms of responding to maritime incidents, the PCG handled over 2,000 incidents and rescued nearly four thousand five hundred individuals,
“For decades, the PCG has stood as a vigilant force across our seas—calm in crisis, firm in mission, [and] unshakable in your dedication to serve,” President Marcos noted.
“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,” the Chief Executive said.
In addition to regular inspections, the President also commended the PCG for its response to the MT Terra Nova oil spill in Limay, Bataan, which was a defining moment for the service.
“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,” President Marcos noted.
The PCG likewise further enforced the country’s environmental standards, conducting 17,715 vessel and facility inspections and 555 shore-based patrols to ensure that environmental guidelines were followed.
In terms of maritime law enforcement, he said the PCG carried out 33,633 sea-marshaling operations and held accountable 578 individuals for illegal maritime activities.
“These figures are proof that the PCG remains a trusted guardian of peace and justice at sea,” he said. | PND
