Like the 1963 hit song, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. assured the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) that it would never sail alone as it fulfills its mandate of protecting the country's maritime territory, economic zones, and baselines.
Marcos said this as he graced the 121st anniversary of the PCG in Port Area, Manila, on Wednesday, October 19.
In his speech, the President told the PCG that the government would support them as they carried out their mission and served the people.
"As your leader, I assure you that this Administration will always be behind you, supportive of your efforts and initiatives to modernize the Philippine Coast Guard, which will redound to the better delivery of service to the nation," he said.
"I urge you to continue your dedication and persistence in your duties and responsibilities and move full throttle towards the realization of your vision to be a world-class guardian of the sea — committed to save lives, assure safer maritime transportation, ensure cleaner seas, and secure maritime jurisdiction," he added.
Marcos was glad to see how the country's oldest and only humanitarian armed service have reached a milestone such as celebrating 121 years.
"For 121 years, you have bravely performed maritime search and rescue operations, enforced maritime law, and ensured maritime safety, maritime security, and marine environmental protection, amongst others," he said.
"I congratulate each and every one of you for this impressive record. This success speaks well of your loyalty, your perseverance, and also your triumphs in carrying out your mandates, as you continuously evolve into a more reliable, relevant agency over the years in the future," he added.
President Marcos especially lauded the PCG for heeding the call of its fellow Filipinos in their time of need, such as natural calamities, and for even going beyond their mandate of ensuring and maintaining peace and order at sea.
"The Philippine Coast Guard in the recent past has taken on many new duties. Critical of that is now you are the frontline in the defense of our maritime territory, in defense of our economic zones, in defense of our baselines," he said.
"Although this may not have been originally part of the mission of the Philippine Coast Guard, you have nonetheless been performing that mission with honor, with skill, with dedication. And we in the — and the rest of the government counts on you to continue that good work," he added.
The President commended the PCG for its work during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We were in need of skilled workers to help in again another duty or another mission that was not originally the mission of the Philippine Coast Guard, yet the Philippine Coast Guard rose to the challenge," he said.
"To this date, are continuing that duty to help alleviate the problems brought about by Covid-19, and in your duty and in your service, you have saved many, many lives," he added.
With the threat of global warming, Marcos noted that the PCG had become the stewards of the environment who promote environmental sustainability by ensuring that all vessels and activities in the seas are compliant with our existing regulations and laws.
"For all that you have done and that you continue to do, the entire Filipino nation is grateful," he said.