Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan on Thursday led the official activation of the Coast Guard District in the Kalayaan Island Group to assert the country’s sovereignty and enforce maritime laws.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and PCG to expand and establish more coast guard districts in strategic areas in the country’s coastline to further enhance their capabilities and better protect the Philippines’ maritime domain.
Secretary Lopez said the simultaneous activation of the new Coast Guard District in the Kalayaan Island Group on the Day of Valor is government’s way of showing its full support and recognition of the valuable sacrifices of the PCG personnel.
“Hindi ito isang simbolo lamang, ito ay isang permanenteng hakbang upang maipakita natin na handa ang ating coast guard na ipagtangol ang ating interes sa dagat at ipagtanggol ang ating mga kababayang mangingisda, ang kanilang kabuhayan at higit sa lahat ang ating soberenya,” Secretary Lopez said, who was later joined by Senator Erwin Tulfo.
The transport chief said President Marcos recognizes the PCG personnel’s sacrifice, dedication and bravery as they face the daily challenges and difficulty of defending the country’s maritime interests, Filipino fishermen and the enforcement of Philippine maritime laws.
“Ang inyong tapat na dedikasyon ang pundasyon ng ating seguridad sa ating karagatan at ang inyong presensya po ang nagpapatunay na paninindigan po natin ang ating pangako na kailanma’y ipaglalaban natin ang soberanya ng Pilipinas,” Secretary Lopez stressed.
Admiral Gavan, for his part, noted that the presence of new Coast Guard District in the Kalayaan Island Group will serve as the “beacon of sovereignty and sanctuary for the Filipino people.”
“[Itong bagong coast guard district ay] para sa ligtas na karagatan, para sa malayang kalayaan ng Bagong Pilipinas at Kalayaan Islands,” Admiral Gavan said.
Senator Erwin Tulfo assured PCG of the Senate’s “full support” by providing additional funding and advocating for policies which include its modernization to enable its personnel to perform its duties.
“Your sacrifices will not go unnoticed. You are the true embodiment of resilience and love for his country. And I say thank you for your service. May you remain strong, safe and an inspiration to every Filipino,” Senator Tulfo said.
The mandate of the newly-activated Coast Guard District in the Kalayaan Island Group is to perform maritime security, enforce Philippine maritime laws and assert the country’s sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.
