Marcos Jr. thanks PCG for service amid ‘more complex’ challenges

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. speaks during the 123rd Anniversary of the Philippine Coast Guard at Pier 15, South Harbor, Port Area in Manila on October 22, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday thanked the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for its service as a “key player in our nation’s maritime security,” acknowledging that the challenges confronting the agency “are growing more complex.” 

The threats of “climate change, rising sea levels, and geopolitical tensions mean that the stakes have never been higher,” Marcos Jr. said in a speech during the PCG’s 123rd anniversary.

Marcos Jr. calls for global collaboration to mitigate impacts of climate change and natural hazards

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“You are the vigilant stewards of peace and order upon our seas, ensuring that the rule of law prevails across our waters,” he mentioned. 

“In the face of tension, it is your calm resolve that prevents disputes from turning into conflicts, demonstrating to the world that embracing dialogue and cooperation is the true essence of strength," he added.

The chief of state also emphasized that PCG's sea measures show that Filipinos can count on them. 

“You protect our maritime borders, standing resolute in the face of those who would exploit our resources or threaten our way of life,” he said. “Every rescue mission and every enforcement of laws against illegal fishing or environmental degradation sends a powerful message, a message that: We can count on you whenever it matters most." 

Marcos Jr. told members of the PCG that his administration recognizes the challenges that confront the agency, noting that “patrolling a coastline that spans over 37 million kilometers and watching over our Exclusive Economic Zone is no small feat.” 

“This administration reaffirms its support to efforts that will improve your fleet and our air assets as well, to maritime domain awareness, weapons capability, and necessary infrastructure development. This will boost your capacity to respond to any operations,” the President said. 

“Be assured you are never alone in carrying the weight of this mission,” he added. 

Since Marcos Jr. rose to power in 2022, the PCG has been more active in delivering aid to Filipino fisherfolk and resupplying the Philippines’ lone outpost in the West Philippines Sea, much to China’s annoyance. 

PCG personnel and its vessels have been repeatedly blasted with water canons, rammed and damaged at sea as China continues to assert its right in waters well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone despite a 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated Beijing’s claim in the strategic waters.

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“Indeed, your emergence as a key player in our nation’s maritime security reflects your commitment to service and exemplifies how to advance while remaining true to your core mission,” Marcos Jr. said. “Words and awards are always never quite enough to express our appreciation for your unwavering commitment and tireless service."

In his speech, PCG Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan underscored that the agency has continued to fulfill its mandate despite “many challenges and limited resources we have.” 

“We have stood on our guard calmly and professionally,” Gavan said. 

The PCG has an “unwavering resolve to protect and serve, even calmly and professionally no matter the adversity,” he noted.