Marcos to PCG: You bring hope to our fishermen
Published Oct 23, 2025 04:29 pm
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos lead the awarding of plaques to 16 Coast Guard personnel and crews for their exemplary performance, professionalism, and dedication to public service during the 124th anniversary of the Philippine Coast Guard on Oct. 23, 2025. (John Louie Abrina)
The presence of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) alone in the West Philippine Sea brings hope to Filipino fishermen who constantly encounter uncertainties in their livelihood, President Marcos said.
In his speech during the celebration of the 124th anniversary of PCG on Thursday, Oct. 23, Marcos acknowledged the role of the Coast Guard in ensuring the safety and dignity of fisherfolk amid maritime challenges.
"In the West Philippine Sea, you are our first responders, ensuring the safety, dignity, and livelihood of our fisherfolk," he said.
"Alam ko po na hindi madali para sa ating mga mangingisda na maghanap-buhay na walang katiyakan sa kanilang pagbabalik (I know that it is not easy for our fishermen to make a living without any certainty upon their return)," he added.
However, the President stressed, when fisherfolk see the presence of the Coast Guard, they feel hopeful that the country will never yield.
"And yet, when they see you carrying the flag at sea, they feel hope that the Filipino spirit will never yield and that they are always in the hearts and minds of all Filipinos and our uniformed services," Marcos told the Coast Guard.
"Each time you sail, you remind the world that the Philippines will always protect what is ours," he also said.
Trust in gov't can be regained through PCG's integrity
Marcos conveyed that the PCG is one of the government agencies that restores his faith in the dedication of the workers in government.
"When I see the PCG in action, I see what the best of government can look like. That is discipline, with integrity, with excellence working as one," he said.
He told them that trust in government can be regained through integrity and transparency, recognizing that the public's trust has been shaken, following the anomalies in the country's infrastructure system.
"I know that these are difficult times that we live in. Our people’s trust in the government has been shaken; we cannot deny that," he said.
"But I am certain that trust can be regained if we remain transparent and true to our mission," he told the PCG.
He emphasized that through the PCG's conduct of rescue missions or day-to-day patrols, people could see that the government is still working "diligently and is worthy of their trust."
Gov't will keep investing in PCG
In his speech, Marcos gave the Coast Guard an assurance that his administration will continue to back them in order to carry out their missions, especially during times of calamities.
“We will keep investing in new vessels, in aircraft, command posts, and communication systems. We will improve training, facilities, and logistics to provide every PCG personnel a sense of dignity in fulfilling their roles,” the President vowed.
The Chief Executive also announced plans to construct facilities “to ensure that your welfare, whether at sea or on land, remains a priority.”
These facilities include the PCG General Hospital, the Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center in Misibis, and the First Responder and Nursing Service Facility.
During the PCG anniversary celebration, Marcos, together with First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, led the awarding of plaques to 16 PCG personnel and crews who were recognized for their exemplary performance, professionalism, and dedication to public service.
The awards highlighted the PCG’s steadfast guardianship of the nation’s maritime domain.
The awards served as symbols of courage and patriotism, reflecting the organization’s enduring commitment to modernization and excellence in public service, according to the PCG.
Marcos congratulated the PCG awardees, who have gone the extra mile in their duties, saying "I believe in your continued service with honor and excellence for our fellow Filipinos."