By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
“Mabuhay ang mga tanod-baybayin.”
Reaffirming his support for the men and women who serve as the guardians of Philippine waters, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graced the 125th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) with his presence at a ceremony on Friday.
In his speech, the President hailed the dedication and sacrifices of the Coast Guard personnel who constantly remain ready to serve the people and protect lives, especially when disasters strike.
This is reflected in some noteworthy statistics recorded in 2025, which include the following:
- More than one million pre-departure inspections of vessels at ports nationwide
- Rescue or evacuation of almost 95,000 persons in search and rescue operations
- Assistance to close to 188,000 individuals during disasters and emergencies
These figures are inclusive of the Coast Guard’s search and rescue operations after the M/V Trisha Kersteen 3 sank in waters off Basilan.
President Marcos Jr. also hailed the role that the PCG played in transporting family food packs and water desalination plants from Manila to Catanduanes in the aftermath of Typhoon Uwan, as well as in protecting the marine environment and biodiversity through coastal cleanup and tree planting activities.
He addressed the Coast Guardians, discussing their engagements with international peers, “We can work with the world while remaining firmly guided by our national interests and without losing sight of our duty to the Filipino people. The waters that connect our islands must be a source of opportunity for our people, not a source of fear or uncertainty.”
The President likewise recognized the service of PCG Auxiliary members, districts, stations, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees, who continue to carry forward the mission of serving Filipino citizens and the nation as a whole.
He also led the presentation of the PCG Anniversary Awards to the recipients in recognition of their exceptional performance, professionalism, and dedication to service.
The Chief Executive concluded, “And so, as we mark 125 years of the PCG, 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.”
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