Speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Oath-Taking of the Newly Promoted Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Flag Officers

Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan [please take your seat]; our Newly Promoted Star Rank Officers of the Philippine Coast Guard and their Families; First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos who is one of your number; ladies and gentlemen.

Good morning.

To our Philippine Coast Guard flag officers taking their oath today, congratulations.

This rank that you carry is a responsibility that impacts every Filipino, especially those who depend on the sea and in the Philippines that counts every single Filipino.

We are a nation after all of many islands. Almost everything that is important to us, be it food, trade, security, even identity, is tied to our waters.

Therefore, the responsibility of the Philippine Coast Guard is among the most crucial in our government. This past year alone has reminded us of that.

Our Coast Guard has been out on the water, patrolling the West Philippine Sea, escorting and supporting our reprovisioning missions there, and standing beside our fisherfolk in times of distress.

The Coast Guard has also been keeping our ports and travelers safe. They inspect vessels and look after millions of passengers moving through our ports.

They have protected our seas by conducting environmental inspections nationwide. And when it comes to enforcing our laws, such as going after illegal fishing, smuggling, and other threats, the Philippine Coast Guard is always among the first to respond.

Yesterday, we celebrated National Heroes’ Day. If there is one thing that this day reminds us, it is that courage is built long before the moment that it is tested.

It is built through training, discipline, preparation, and the readiness to act when service calls for it.

This heroism is shown in the willingness to put the needs of others above your own, even when duty requires great personal risks.

This is the courage that we see in the men and women of the Philippine Coast Guard. This is the standard that I ask you to carry into your command.

I say this because it describes what happens in your work daily. You conduct hundreds of search and rescue operations and respond to every single distress call, amongst others.

All of these are possible because you make swift decisions. And with that, a fellow Filipino will remember you as heroic.

We also continue to face natural disasters today. And in these moments, the Coast Guard has always been present, rescuing families and reaching communities that need help.

These are difficult, sometimes dangerous tasks. For these, we are all grateful for your sacrifice.

So, to our newly promoted flag officers, lead by example. Uphold the highest standards of integrity. Prepare the next generation of Coast Guard leaders. Embrace innovation and modernization. Strengthen the partnerships that allow us to address challenges that no institution can tackle alone.

Serve in a way that honors the oath that you took today. Lead with courage and integrity. Always remember whom you serve.

Ang bawat paglalayag at bawat pagbabantay ay para sa sambayanang Pilipino.

And to your families, allow me to also express my deepest gratitude.

Maraming salamat sa inyong pag-unawa, sa inyong sakripisyo, at sa inyong patuloy na suporta.

This achievement belongs to you as it belongs to the officers that we honor today.

Ladies and gentlemen, once again, congratulations on this remarkable achievement.

May your leadership carry the Philippine Coast Guard towards greater horizons as an institution that our people trust and that our country can be proud of and depend on.

Maraming salamat.

Mabuhay ang Philippine Coast Guard.

Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas. [applause]

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