The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) continues the comprehensive modernization of its assets and manpower as its workforce increased from 7,000 several years ago to over 26,000 today, according to Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista.
"We will continue to help the Coast Guard in pursuing their comprehensive modernization program," he pledged during this week's New Year's Call and Planning Conference for 2023.
The New Year's Call is an annual tradition of the PCG, where members pay a call to commanders and key officials in their respective areas of responsibility. The practice forges esprit de corps and camaraderie among PCG members.
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For his part, PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu invoked all Coast Guard personnel to continue to be at their best in serving Filipinos, working as one family.
"The PCG is a family," he underscored. "We are bound by our shared experiences, common principles, and core values. We have love and support each other because being a family means no one gets left behind."
However, in order to achieve world-class performance, PCG personnel should train in world-class schools, Secretary Bautista noted.
“Given the inherently international nature of shipping and maritime transportation, attendance in world-class educational programs from these prestigious institutions should not be taken for granted,” he pointed out.
The PCG ensures the safety and security of life and property at sea, safeguards the country’s marine resources and the environment, and protects the overall welfare of Filipinos, Bautista concluded.