‘Magpakatatag kayo’: Marcos honors PCG, vows readiness to face complex maritime challenges
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administers the oath of office to 21 newly promoted Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) flag officers at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañang Palace in Manila on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. The newly promoted officials include one vice admiral, two rear admirals, and 18 commodores. Yummie Dingding, PPA pool/FileMANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday expressed gratitude to the men and women of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), vowing to continue strengthening the agency’s capabilities and readiness to respond to “increasingly complex maritime challenges.”
In his speech at the PCG’s 125th founding anniversary on October 16, Marcos underscored that Philippine waters “must be a source of opportunity for our people, not a source of fear or uncertainty.”
“And so, to every Coast Guardian serving at our ports and stations, aboard our vessels and aircraft, and deployed in communities across our country: Magpakatatag kayo. Nakikita at ramdam namin ang inyong paglilingkod,” he said.
“Taos-puso kayong pinasasalamatan ng sambayanan sa inyong katapatan sa tungkulin,” he added.
PCG personnel conducting maritime patrols and providing assistance in the West Philippine Sea have faced harassment and dangerous maneuvers by the China Coast Guard.
Marcos said the government remains committed to improving the agency’s ability to carry out its duties amid evolving maritime challenges.
“And so, as we mark 125 years of the Philippine Coast Guard, let us look to the horizon with confidence and a renewed commitment to strengthening its capabilities and readiness to respond to increasingly complex maritime challenges,” he said.
“With capable personnel, sound leadership, and unwavering dedication to the Filipino people, I am confident that we can fulfill this mission,” he added.
The President also recognized the PCG’s contributions to public service, including conducting more than a million pre-departure inspections of vessels at ports, search-and-rescue operations, and humanitarian assistance.
He likewise acknowledged members of the PCG Auxiliary, including First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, for their “volunteer service and continued support of the Coast Guard’s mission.”
Marcos also commended outstanding PCG personnel who received awards in various categories, including Ship of the Year and Aircraft of the Year.
“May your example inspire others, especially the younger members of the service, to take pride in their work and understand that every assignment, however ordinary it may seem, carries a responsibility to the Filipino people,” he said.