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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider On Valor Day, PH Coast Guard opens district station in Kalayaan Island Group

On Valor Day, PH Coast Guard opens district station in Kalayaan Island Group

Published Apr 9, 2026 05:06 pm
photo: PCG
photo: PCG
On Araw ng Kagitingan or Valor Day, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has activated a district station at the Pagasa Island in a bid to further make its presence felt and assert the country’s sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez said the activation of the Coast Guard District in the Kalayaan Island Group is also intended to enforce the Philippine maritime laws.
“Our goal is to expand and establish more coast guard districts in strategic areas in the country’s coastline to further enhance their capabilities and better protect the Philippines’ maritime domain as ordered by the President,” said Lopez who led the ceremony at the Pag-asa Island, which is home to over 400 Filipino civilians.
“The activation held on Valor Day is the government’s way of showing its full support and recognition of the valuable sacrifices of the PCG personnel,” he added.
PCG Commandant Admiral Gil Gavan emphasized the importance of the new Coast Guard District, saying it will serve as the beacon of sovereignty and sanctuary for the Filipino people.
The activation of the Coast Guard district means a ranking PCG official will pave the way for a ranking PCG official to oversee the Coast Guard operation at the Kalayaan Group of Island.
The mandate of the newly-activated Coast Guard District in the Kalayaan Island Group is to perform maritime security, enforce Philippine maritime laws and assert the country’s sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.
For his part, Senator Erwin Tulfo, who was present during the ceremony, assured PCG of the Senate’s “full support” by providing additional funding and advocating for policies which include its modernization to enable its personnel to perform its duties.
“Your sacrifices will not go unnoticed. You are the true embodiment of resilience and love for his country. And I say thank you for your service. May you remain strong, safe and an inspiration to every Filipino,” said Tulfo.
The mandate of the newly-activated Coast Guard District in the Kalayaan Island Group is to perform maritime security, enforce Philippine maritime laws and assert the country’s sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.

Related Tags

Philippine Coast Guard Pag-asa Island DOTr West Philippine Sea Atin Ito Kalayaan Island Group
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