MESSAGE 

To PCG Commandant Admiral Gavan, to the distinguished men and women of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), my fellow members of the PCGA, my DBM family, honored guests, ladies and gentlemen—good morning. 

Let me express my sincere and heartfelt expression of gratitude. 

To the Philippine Coast Guard and the PCGA—maraming salamat po. 

Salamat sa inyong walang sawang paglilingkod. Salamat sa inyong tapang sa lahat ng pagkakataon. 

At salamat sa tahimik ngunit napakahalagang presensya ninyo—sa dagat, sa sakuna, at sa bawat pagkakataong ang bayan ay nangangailangan. 

We, in the DBM, hold the highest respect for the men and women of the Coast Guard. 

Because while many of us serve within the safety of our offices, kayo po ay nasa unahan—nakaharap sa alon, sa unos, at sa panganib—upang tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan. 

You are not only protectors of our waters. You are protectors of lives. Guardians of hope. At tunay na haligi ng serbisyo publiko. 

And for that, we are deeply grateful. 

We are equally thankful for the unwavering support that you have extended to the DBM through the years. Your partnership reminds us that governance is strongest when institutions stand together—each fulfilling its role, united by a shared mission to serve the Filipino people. 

This ceremony is made even more meaningful as it coincides with the 90th anniversary of the DBM. Today, we celebrate not only our history—but also the partnerships that have strengthened our journey, and the shared commitment that binds us in public service. 

To our newly inducted members of the PCGA—Auxiliary Commodore Cherry Bravo, Auxiliary Commodore Mark Louie Martin, Auxiliary Commodore Philip Jeffrey David, Auxiliary Commodore Glenn Miranda, Auxiliary Commander Maricor Baquial, and Auxiliary Commander Libertine Cagang-Guanzon—congratulations. 

Today marks more than a new title or rank. It marks a calling. A commitment to serve beyond the limits of your formal roles. A decision to give more of yourself—for something greater than yourself. 

As members of the PCGA, we are reminded that public service does not end within the walls of our offices. 

It extends to our communities. To our coastlines. To every Filipino who may one day need our help. 

Ang pagsusuot ng uniporme ay hindi lamang status symbol—ito ay isang pangako. 

Isang pangako na tayo ay handang tumugon. Handang tumulong. At handang magsakripisyo para sa kapakanan ng iba. 

I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the recognition bestowed upon me today. 

Receiving not just one, but four awards from an institution that embodies courage, discipline, and volunteerism is something I will always treasure. 

I accept these not for myself alone, but on behalf of the entire DBM family. 

Behind every policy, every release, every reform—are men and women who work quietly, diligently, and selflessly to ensure that government serves its people. 

Kung wala po sila, wala rin po ang anumang tagumpay na iniuugnay sa amin. 

This recognition belongs to them as much as it does to me. 

And in the same spirit of partnership, allow me to make this commitment: The DBM stands firmly with the Philippine Coast Guard. 

As you continue to fulfill your vital mission—whether in maritime safety, environmental protection, disaster response, or humanitarian service—maaasahan ninyo ang suporta ng DBM. 

We will do our part—faithfully and responsibly—to ensure that the resources needed to strengthen your capabilities, modernize your operations, and expand your reach are made available, consistent with our mandate. 

Hindi man kami ang nasa harapan ng inyong operasyon, kami naman ang sisiguro na may lakas at kakayahan kayong magpatuloy sa inyong misyon. 

Because when the Coast Guard is strong, our communities are safer. And when our communities are safe, our nation moves forward with confidence. 

When I took my oath as a Rear Admiral of the PCGA earlier this year, I embraced not just a title—but a responsibility. 

A responsibility to serve. To respond. And to stand ready when the nation calls. 

Today, I renew that commitment—with even greater resolve. 

Together, let us continue to work hand in hand—across institutions, across mandates, united by one purpose: 

To serve the Filipino people with integrity, courage, and compassion. 

Habang may bantay ang ating karagatan, may kapanatagan ang bawat Pilipino. At habang kayo ang naglilingkod—ang bayan ay ligtas, ang pag-asa ay buhay, at ang Pilipinas ay patuloy na tatatag. 

Mabuhay ang Philippine Coast Guard. Mabuhay ang Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary. 

Maraming salamat po. 

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