President Marcos has told newly-promoted officers of the Philippine Coast Guard to lead with purpose and serve the country with courage.

"Your promotions are not merely steps in your careers—they are steps forward for yourselves, for the Coast Guard, but also for the nation," Marcos said as he administered the oath of office of 29 newly-promoted flag rank PCG officers on Tuesday, May 6.

"You now wear stars on your shoulders, may these remind you to embrace with humility, to lead with purpose, and to serve with courage," he told them.

The President said their promotion is a declaration that the Philippines now entrusts them with greater responsibility, and expects greater sacrifice to make a legacy the Coast Guard can uphold.

He further told the PCG officials that in times of global instability and rising maritime tensions, the nations look to the PCG, together with the Philippine Navy and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, "to stand the ground in stormy seas and never waver in what is right."

"For decades, the PCG has stood as a vigilant force across our seas—calm in crisis, firm in mission, [and] unshakable in your dedication to serve," Marcos said in his speech as he recognized the strides the Coast Guard has made over the years.

He cited that from January 2024 to March 2025, the PCG managed to conduct about 2.7 million inspections—covering pre-departure checks, vessel safety, emergency readiness, and port state control.

The Chief Executive also acknowledged its nearly 45,000 seaborne missions and over 3.1 million square nautical miles of patrols, which, he said, showed both the scale of the PCG's responsibility and the depth of determination.

"And in moments when lives hang in the balance, you have proven time and again: The Coast Guard is there. The Coast Guard never turns away," he said.

"You have responded to over 2,000 maritime incidents and rescued nearly 4,500 individuals. Each one tells a story of survival because someone in uniform answered the call," he added.

"This is what sets the PCG apart: In the face of uncertainty, you show up. In the middle of the storm, you bring order. In the loneliest parts of our waters, you bring hope," he went on.

Marcos also told the PCG that their presence in the West Philippines Sea remains crucial, stressing that their continued patrols reaffirm the country's commitment to its sovereign rights.

"But perhaps nowhere is your presence more crucial, than in the West Philippine Sea," he said.

"Your continued patrols across the Kalayaan Island Group, the Philippine Rise, and our other maritime zones reaffirm our unwavering commitment to our sovereign rights," he added.

Marcos recognized that by doing so, the PCG does not only protect the country's  territory or protecting its citizens, they are defining for the rest of the world the territory of the Philippines.

"And having done so, you are defending that territory. That is the importance of what the job has become for Philippine Coast Guard," he said, stressing that his administration "will always stand for what is ours, and we will do so with dignity, with integrity, [and] with strength."

He assured the newly-promoted PCG officials that the Marcos administration stands with them.

"Just as you protect our people, we will ensure that you and your families are likewise protected. Aside from the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program, I am pleased to note that in April 2025, I have signed the Free Legal Assistance for Military and Uniformed Personnel Act. This benefits personnel who face any charge arising from incidents related to the performance [of] their official duty," he told them.