President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday called for a stronger and more credible Philippine Navy as the country faces evolving security challenges in the West Philippine Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Speaking during the 128th anniversary of the Philippine Navy at its headquarters along Roxas Boulevard in Manila, Marcos said strengthening the Navy remains essential to protecting the country’s sovereignty, economic lifelines and maritime interests.
“For over a century, the Philippine Navy has stood watch over our waters, defending our sovereignty and protecting our people,” Marcos said.
The President said the seas surrounding the Philippines have become arenas of competition and conflict, with global instability, shifting alliances and emerging threats requiring a resilient maritime defense posture.
“In this environment, a credible Philippine Navy is indispensable to regional peace,” he said.
Marcos said he has directed the Navy to further strengthen its capabilities, while the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have been tasked to expand and deepen partnerships, exchanges and engagements with allies and friendly forces.
He said the modernization of the Navy would help safeguard the country’s resources, protect Filipinos and enhance the Philippines’ role in promoting security and cooperation in the region.
The President also led the commissioning of the BRP Rajah Lakandula, which he described as a pivotal step toward realizing the Navy’s vision of becoming a modern and self-reliant force.
Named after Rajah Lakandula, a leader of pre-colonial Manila, the vessel carries a legacy of courage, leadership and devotion to the country, Marcos said.
“This vessel enhances our capacity to safeguard our resources and assert our sovereignty,” he said.
Marcos told the crew of the vessel to sail with pride and “let the world know that the Filipino spirit will never be intimidated.”
The President also recognized the Navy’s disaster response efforts following the strong earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao on Monday.
He said Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao immediately activated its disaster response mechanisms and placed its rescue team on heightened alert for emergency response and humanitarian assistance operations.
Marcos said the service of Navy personnel allows communities to sleep peacefully, fisherfolk to sail with confidence and the global community to see the Philippines as a credible anchor of peace and international law.
He also thanked Navy personnel for their dedication and assured them that the government remains committed to supporting their welfare and ensuring that they are properly equipped to fulfill their mission.
“Sa inyong pagbabantay sa ating karagatan, tangan ninyo hindi lamang ang watawat ng Pilipinas, kundi pati na rin ang tiwala at pag-asa ng sambayanang Pilipino,” Marcos said.
Marcos also congratulated the Navy’s awardees and urged the force to continue helping the country weather crises and chart a course toward a progressive and sovereign Bagong Pilipinas.