By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has challenged the Philippine Coast Guard’s newly promoted flag officers to lead by example, uphold the highest standards of integrity and remain faithful to their oath as they assume greater responsibility for protecting the country’s maritime interests.
Marcos administered the oath of office to 21 newly promoted PCG flag officers—one vice admiral, two rear admirals and 18 commodores—during a ceremony at Malacañang.
Among those who took their oath before the President were Vice Admiral Rommel Supangan, Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, and Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, the Coast Guard’s spokesperson.
Marcos stressed that the officers’ promotions represented not only recognition of their service but also a greater responsibility to millions of Filipinos whose lives and livelihoods depend on the sea.
“This right that you carry is a responsibility that impacts every Filipino, especially those who depend on the sea, and in the Philippines that counts every single Filipino,” Marcos said.
The President underscored the strategic importance of the PCG in an archipelagic nation where the sea is vital to food security, livelihoods, trade, national security and the movement of people and goods.
He cited the Coast Guard’s continuing patrols in the West Philippine Sea, support for resupply missions and Filipino fisherfolk, maritime safety operations, port security and environmental protection.
Marcos also recognized the PCG’s enforcement role against illegal fishing, smuggling and other threats to the country’s maritime domain.
He linked the officers’ new responsibilities to the values highlighted during National Heroes Day, saying courage is built through training, discipline, preparation and readiness to serve.
“This is the courage that we see in men and women on the Philippine coastline. This is the standard that I ask you to carry into your command,” he said.
The President also pointed to the risks routinely faced by Coast Guard personnel as they conduct search and rescue missions, respond to distress calls and assist communities affected by natural disasters.
As senior officers, Marcos urged the newly promoted flag officers to help develop the next generation of Coast Guard leaders while embracing modernization and innovation and strengthening partnerships with other institutions.
He also issued a direct call for ethical leadership as the officers take on their expanded roles.
“Lead by example. Uphold the highest standards of integrity,” Marcos said.
“Serve in a way that honors the oath that you took today. Lead with courage and integrity. Always remember whom you serve,” he added.
First Lady Liza Marcos, who holds the honorary rank of Auxiliary Vice Admiral in the PCG Auxiliary, joined the President during the ceremony.
The 21 officers now assume their new responsibilities as the Philippine Coast Guard continues to carry out maritime security, safety, law-enforcement, environmental protection and humanitarian missions across the country.
ia/xf
