‘TOL VIEWS

For a country as archipelagic as the Philippines, it will always be a challenge to secure and defend borders against outside intimidation and threats. The need to establish a fortress, in structure and in force, has indeed become more and more urgent in light of the recent maritime intimidation that both Filipino fisherfolks and the Philippine Coast Guard had experienced. In Mavulis Island in the Province of Batanes, we inaugurated the Mavulis Naval Detachment which we hope will further strengthen our defense force there. Other naval detachments in strategic coastlines in various parts of the country are also in the pipeline. With the establishment of these naval detachments, we aim build firmer grounds on territories that are most vulnerable.

Our Philippine Coast Guard is an indispensable component of national security, maritime peace and safety, environmental protection, law enforcement and sustainable development. These men and women play a pivotal role in ensuring that we remain free and independent and that what rightfully belongs to the Filipinos, the Filipinos will continue to enjoy. Building the capacity of the Philippine Coast Guard to perform their duties in patrolling and monitoring, responding to distress and emergencies, and search and rescue, among others, is building the fortress I mentioned earlier. Day in and day out, Philippine Coast Guard personnel are exposed to the hazards of battling against human trafficking, drug smuggling, terrorism, piracy, and such other illegal activities that threaten national security. Their lives are put on the line preventing the entry of persons and materials that create negative impacts on our economy, our environment, our peace and sovereignty.

Similarly, the Philippine Coast Guard takes a central role in times of maritime disasters and catastrophes such as oil and hazardous materials spills as well as in rescue and recovery operations during sea vessel accidents. Coast Guards also ensure the enforcement of laws on maritime transportation including the compliance of ship companies to sea travel safety standards. In protecting marine ecosystems, coast guards also play a critical part. They also often spearhead coastal clean-up and other activities that are geared towards encouraging stakeholders’ participation and educating the people in preserving marine ecosystems, making them understand that their very existence depends upon the survival and sustainability of the ocean. 

I hope that more support will be gathered from both public and private agencies in order to strengthen the Philippine Coast Guard. We underscore their immense contribution in securing our national territory and guaranteeing the sustainability of Philippine seas. Added facilities such as the naval detachment inaugurated in Mavulis Island can greatly help coast guard personnel not only in the more efficient performance of the duties but as well as in protecting them while they serve the country.