BEYOND BUDGET

*Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.* Last Monday, we celebrated the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence. This is an appropriate time for Filipinos to remember our heroes, whose valiant acts have led to our national transformation and freedom. And as we reflect on the significance of prominent historical figures who have set the bar high for valor and bravery, let us also recognize the heroes living in our midst, especially those whose selfless acts of volunteerism and bravery amid uncertainty have made a big impact in our lives. These extraordinary Filipinos include our uniformed brothers and sisters at the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). Amid threats besetting our vulnerable territory, the men and women of the PCG are our vanguards reinforcing our maritime security and upholding our maritime laws within our territory. They are literally and figuratively our first responders, coming to aid those who are in need during times of calamities and emergencies. Not many may be aware but they were the unsung heroes at the height of the Islamic state terror threat in Marawi in 2017 when they took over the security operations of ports and coastal areas. Notwithstanding danger, the PCG also became instrumental in ensuring the health and safety of our countrymen during the Covid-19 pandemic. Beyond its mandate to protect and secure our people from maritime threats, the PCG  is also at the forefront in the care for the environment. Many of our reforested mangrove sites could be attributed to the relentless efforts of the PCG. You can also see our coast guard service members regularly engaging in coastal cleanups. With your indulgence, allow me to be more personal in my esteem and high regard for the men and women of the PCG. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to be part of this elite unit. With pride and gratitude in my heart, I took my oath as Rear Admiral of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA). And I am honored and prouder still of the fact that was intimated to me that this was the first time that a two-star general rank was conferred to a woman upon entry to the PCGA. It was a touching, overwhelming and most surreal moment for me. And it was not even the highlight of my day. Imagine being part of something big and historic, and then as fate would have it, even the venue holds so much meaning and significance? The ceremony took place aboard BRP Melchora Aquino, one of PCG’s largest and most modern multi-role response vessels, which interestingly, was commissioned on June 12 last year, also as part of the Independence Day celebration. How awesome to have the ceremony on the ship named after "The Grand Woman of the Revolution" and what an honor to have been given the privilege to get to know the inspiring men and women of the PCG who are duty-bound to save lives, ensure maritime transport, and secure maritime jurisdiction. Delivering my message not only as Budget Secretary but as a Rear Admiral of the PCGA gave me goosebumps. But more than that, it bestowed on me a sense of pride and belongingness to be addressing these heroes, not just as a public servant but as their peer.

Strategy, strength and synergy

To my mind, the PCG has a special and crucial mission that requires strategy, strength, and synergy: Strategy for the enforcement of national and international maritime safety means that despite limitations, PCG has been tactically harnessing alliances, increasing capabilities, and employing diplomatic strategies to protect our maritime borders and resources; strengthening  the PCG through its modernization program, which will pave the way for the acquisition of modern assets and equipment, and capacitating its workforce, and; synergy—the key to adaptation and disaster mitigation. And it is heartening to see how the PCG has been a steadfast partner in responding to environmental threats such as oil spills, and calamities, and in implementing environmental laws.

Walking the talk

At DBM, we share the PCG's commitment to sustainability and prioritize interventions for environmental protection. ₱1.407 billion was allotted for their marine environmental protection program. For 2023, ₱464.5 billion was allotted to address climate change, while ₱2.39 billion was appropriated for the implementation of the National Greening Program. ₱246 million was allocated for coastal and marine ecosystems rehabilitation, and ₱1 billion was given to conserve and improve the resiliency of the country’s ecosystems. These attest to our commitment to protect and preserve our natural resources. PCG Admiral Abu said: "Modernization will speed up the acquisition of state-of-the-art assets and resources for maritime law enforcement, security, safety, search-and-rescue, and environmental protection." And so it is my hope that plans for the PCG's modernization program will take fruition very soon, as supporting this will surely result in the protection of our economic zones, which are key drivers to the country's growth and recovery. Beyond budget, I am most privileged to be one with the men and women of the PCG who make the agency what it really is today. I am one with the PCG and PCGA family in igniting the Filipino people’s spirit of volunteerism and turning their collective passion, voices and selflessness into action, which shall eventually mold our present into a future worthy of our succeeding generation’s pride and honor. Salute to our PCG heroes! (Amenah F. Pangandaman is the current Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management.)