SUSUPORTAHAN ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ang pagpapalawak at modernisasyon ng  Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG).

Ito ang inihayag ni Pangulong Marcos sa pagdiriwang ng  ika- 121  founding anniversary ng PCG sa  Port Area, Manila.

Hindi naman lingid sa kaalaman ng Pangulo na maraming mga bagong gampanin ang mga miyembro ng coast guard sa labas ng kanilang balwarte.

“Now, you are in the frontline in the defense of our maritime territory, in defense of our economic zones, in defense of our baselines. Although this may not have been originally part of the mission of the Philippine Coast Guard, you have nonetheless been performing that mission with honor, with skill, with dedication,” ang bahagi ng naging talumpati ni Pangulong Marcos.

“As your leader, I assure you that this administration will always be behind you, supportive of your efforts and initiatives to modernize the Philippine Coast Guard, which will redound to the better delivery of service to the nation,” wika pa ng Pangulo.

Pinuri naman ng Chief Executive ang PCG dahil sa kahanga-hangang  record nito bilang “oldest and only humanitarian armed service” ng bansa simula noong 1901.

Pinasalamatan naman ng Punong Ehekutibo ang mga tauhan ng PCG para  sa pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan at kaayusan sa karagatan, pagbibigay ng  tulong sa  mga distressed Filipino,  lalo na sa panahon ng natural calamities at sakuna sa karagatan.

“Throughout your century-old narrative, you have never failed to heed the call of your fellow Filipinos, always in their time of need,” ang wika ng Pangulo sabay sabing . “This success speaks well of your loyalty, your perseverance, and also your triumphs in carrying out your mandates, as you continuously evolve into a more reliable, relevant agency over the years in the future.”

Ang PCG  ang pangunahing ahensiya ng pamahalaan na responsable sa  pagganap sa  “maritime search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, maritime safety, marine environmental protection at maritime security.”

Nakikinita na nito ang sarili bilang “world-class” sea guardian sa taong  2028 na may layuning “to save lives, ensure safe maritime transport [and] cleaner seas, and secure maritime jurisdiction.”

Aasahan naman ng Pangulo ang patuloy na  “good work” ng PCG.

Kumpiyansang inihayag ng Pangulo na ang  PCG ay magta-transform bilang  “world-class guardian of the sea  that steers the Philippines towards safer shores and even onwards to a better, brighter, and more prosperous future.”

“As you fulfill your duty, know very well that you will never sail as a lone body in these unsettling waters. The entire force of the Filipino people will fuel your voyages, aiding you in your mission, as you brave our seas and make a difference in the lives of the people that you serve,” ayon sa Pangulo.

“I urge you to continue your dedication and persistence in your duties and responsibilities and move full throttle towards the realization of your vision to be a world-class guardian of the sea — committed to save lives, assure safer maritime transportation, ensure cleaner seas, and secure maritime jurisdiction,” dagdag na wika pa nito.

Samantala, pinuri rin ni Pangulong Marcos ang mga miyembro ng PCG  bilang  “stewards of the environment” na magpo-promote ng environmental sustainability sa pamamagitan ng tiyakin na ang lahat ng ‘vessels at activities” sa karagatan ay sumusunod sa umiiral na regulations and laws ng bansa.

Kinilala naman ng Pangulo ang pagsisikap ng  PCG na paghusayin pa ang operational efficiency nito sa pamamagitan ng i-maintain ang  lighthouses para masiguro ang kaligtasan ng mga  mangingisdang Filipino  at Philippine ships.

“The PCG is likewise crucial to the government’s law enforcement initiatives by ensuring and maintaining peace and order at sea,” ani Pangulong Marcos sabay sabing  “For all that you have done and that you continue to do, the entire Filipino nation is grateful.”

Sa nasabi pa ring event, nagkaloob naman si Pangulong  Marcos  ng  awards sa  13 outstanding PCG personnel at nakatanggap naman ng isang memento mula sa  coast guard.

Nagkaroon din ang Pangulo ng tour ng  BRP Gabriela Silang, itinuturing na “largest offshore patrol vessel” ng PCG. (Daris Jose)