The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) celebrated its 121 years of commitment to go beyond towards nation building yesterday, 19 October 2022!

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista graced the celebration.

During his speech, PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Artemio M Abu, highlighted the accomplishments of Coast Guardians in upholding maritime law enforcement, maritime security, maritime safety, maritime search and rescue, and marine environmental protection in the past year.

"In every typhoon and destructive calamity, the Philippine Coast Guard was there, in full complement, equipped with air and floating assets, to undertake rescue missions. We also support the Bureau of Customs' fight against smuggling through the PCG Task Force Aduana. We intensify our presence in the West Philippines Sea, Bajo de Masinloc, and the Kalayaan Island Group," CG Admiral Abu said.

"In 2021, the Coast Guard rescued more than 300 individuals from vessel collisions and fire onboard incidents. Our brave rescuers also risked their lives to assist 5,000 individuals during various search and rescue operations at sea and on land," the Coast Guard Commandant furthered.

Moreover, CG Admiral Abu shared about expanding the Coast Guard's presence nationwide by establishing additional units, constructing maritime safety facilities, and procuring more assets.

"We have also expanded to 15 PCG regional districts, 89 stations, and more than 400 sub-stations nationwide. We maintain more than 500 lighthouses in different regions, which help vessels navigate safely within our waters. We have commissioned two newest and biggest multi-role vessels from Japan – BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Melchora Aquino – regularly conducting maritime patrols and humanitarian missions," the Coast Guard Commandant noted.

Furthermore, CG Admiral Abu emphasized the strong partnership of the PCG with its fellow uniformed armed services in the country, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), and its counterparts, including the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (BAKAMLA), Japan Coast Guard (JCG), and the United States Coast Guard (USCG).

The Coast Guard Commandant also proudly reported strengthening the PCG's workforce by recruiting and training future public servants.

“In September 2022, Mr. President, we conducted the single biggest enlistment of trainees in PCG history – with 1,500 young Filipinos taking their oath of allegiance to our constitution, flag, and people. Sa kanilang pagtatapos sa Disyembre, aabot na po sa 24,500 ang bilang ng ating PCG commissioned officers at enlisted personnel,” CG Admiral Abu added.

Concluding his message, the Coast Guard Commandant affirmed the organization's commitment to the Filipino nation.

"We will continue to function as one big family, with members who share the same vision toward achieving milestones that will benefit the present and future generations. The Philippine Coast Guard is here to stay," CG Admiral Abu ended.