MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. commended the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday for upholding the country’s maritime security, promoting maritime rights, fighting smuggling, as well as for protecting the nation’s marine environment and securing the safety of local fisherfolk.

“Your integrity, your discipline, and professionalism in the performance of your mandate have helped us further our collective vision of a stronger, more harmonious, and more resilient Philippines,” President Marcos said during the 122nd Founding Anniversary of the PCG.

The PCG, the oldest and only humanitarian armed service in the Philippines, is celebrating its founding anniversary with the theme, ‘Sailing Together in Unity and Harmony.’

“The Philippine Coast Guard remained steadfast in assuming a pivotal role in our continued promotion and protection of our country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction and in being at the forefront of our efforts to ensure that our fishers and their fishing rights are respected and recognized throughout our vast maritime areas,” the President said.

All the PCG’s efforts, including its initiatives in marine environment protection and conservation and ensuring the safety and welfare of all citizens in the country’s waters, are deeply appreciated, President Marcos noted.

The President expressed gratitude to the Coast Guard for its accomplishments in the performance of its duty, which he said, have consistently championed the nation and people’s rights and welfare in the face of daunting adversity and difficulties.

“As we embark on a new chapter, I enjoin all of you to continue to work closely with other concerned agencies as you perform this extremely valuable and important mandate,” Marcos said, calling for the consolidation of strengths to ensure the benefits for all Filipinos.

“Be assured that this administration firmly stands with you in your plans and efforts to improve, expand, and modernize your capabilities and services, so that you may better contribute to the security and welfare of our people and of the nation.”

Among the PCG’s key accomplishments include rescuing a total of 6,332 persons in distress.

It also participated in the anti-smuggling operation targeting 24 warehouses in Manila, particularly those engaged in illegal importation of agricultural products and hoarding of locally produced onions and garlic.

In Marine Environmental Protection, the PCG carried out 4,774 cleanup activities. It also led and completed the oil spill clean-up brought by the sinking of MT Princess Empress in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro on February 28 this year.

To ensure Maritime Security and Safety, the PCG maintains 601 lighthouses which serve as vital navigational and last month it removed a floating barrier installed by China in Bajo De Masinloc hampering Filipino fishermen. (PND)