As the nation commemorated the 124th Philippine Independence Day, President Duterte led the commissioning of Barko ng Pangulo ng Pilipinas (BRP) Melchora Aquino, the Multi-Role Response Vessel (MRRV) 9702 of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) at Pier 15, South Harbor in Manila.
In his speech, the President said that the Philippines had gone a long way since his administration first took over in 2016.
Duterte took pride in his administration's achievements and declared they had delivered.
"In our own humble way, we delivered. That is all," he said.
"We do not need any adoration. We do not need any excessive, inordinate thanksgiving kasi lahat tayo sa gobyerno at bayad tayo (we are the government, and we are paid). We are really expected to do our respective duties," he added.
President Duterte then praised and thanked the PCG for its role in preserving the country's peace and sovereignty.
"So far, the Coast Guard has an excellent record. Their participation even sa struggle sa Mindanao," he noted.
"You have helped the government a lot, maintaining its independence and integrity as a republic. So bilib ako sa inyo (I am impressed)," he added.
During the event, the President read the Commission Order before the MRRV 9702 Commanding Officer and granted permission to the Commanding Officer and first watch or sentinel "to set the watch" that will commence BRP Melchora Aquino's official duty as a commissioned vessel. He also rendered a salute to acknowledge the said vessel.
Named after Melchora Aquino, popularly known as 'Tandang Sora" and Mother of Katipunan, the MRRV 9702 is one of the two largest white ships acquired by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the Philippine Coast Guard through its Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) Phase 2.
The new vessel is ready to conduct sustained maritime patrols in the country's maritime jurisdictions, including the West Philippine Sea and Philippine Rise.
Similar to BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV 9701), the MRRV 9702 is modeled after the Japan Coast Guard's Kunigami-class vessel that has a maximum speed of not less than 24 nautical miles per hour and endurance of not less than 4,000 nautical miles.