The Commandant's Compass

It is said that the key ingredients in the effective performance of agency functions are the ability and commitment of h its leaders or unit commanders to manage its activities responsibly taking into consideration the vital mission the unit has to the perform against the reality of very modest budgetary resources and rigid fiscal and accounting regulations.
To achieve this, the following actions o is considered priorities: The Command will continue to embark on programs and activities that will further enhance the morale and welfare of Coast I Guard personnel.

Continuing implementation of programs that will enhance operational efficiency through systems improvement and avoidance of wasteful practices.

Institutionalization of the so-called s leadership by Institute of the principle of Command r Strict observance of cost-effectiveness transparency and accountability Improvement of the system of grievances and feedback mechanism Rationalization of the support system to ensure wider coverage and effective impact of operations and administration. Promotion of unity, teamwork and camaraderie in all mission performances of PCG units.

Good working relationship with partner agencies, nations, and industry associations.

In its external application, responsible maritime governance is viewed as the ability of the agency to effectively and dutifully discharge its functions to ensure the safety and security of the maritime transportation system and the protection of the marine environment. Within the limits provided for by law in terms of its safety functions, the PCG must endeavor to be more proactive and instrumental in ensuring that safety will always be paramount in all maritime-related activities.

Close supervision and coordination with domestic shipping operators remain indispensable if the PCG is determined to instill a culture of safety and responsible ship ownership and foreign ships must be that the Philippines is neither a sanctuary nor a safe haven for substandard ships.

In maritime navigation safety, it is the primary duty of the PCG to properly maintain all lighthouse stations and to always keep them in their top operational condition. The Maritime Safety Service Command (MSSC) continues to review and update its master plan for the development and upgrade of the existing navigational aids as well as the establishment of more aids to navigation particularly in areas where maritime traffic is dense. Special attention is focused also on establishing additional buoys and floating aids along entrances to major ports and harbors. Floating and submerged wrecks and other hazards to navigation are expeditiously removed to prevent future accidents.

In maritime security, the PCG continues to provide deterrence to unlawful acts at sea and enforce all applicable laws without fear or favor. Terrorism and other unlawful acts in the sea have now become a global threat to maritime transport. Hence, in cooperation with the OTS and other related agencies, the PCG ensures that sufficient security coverage is laid out for all maritime assets and interests throughout the archipelago.

Finally, in maritime environmental protection, the PCG continues to serve as a strong vanguard to reserve, conserve, protect and rehabilitate our precious marine environment and its vast marine resources. It is in this area that linkage with other government agencies, local government NGOs, advocacy groups and other interest organizations is strongly encouraged as this will serve as a significant factor in the accomplishment of the PCG mission to achieve a clean and sustainable marine environment. Public interest and support are gained through the aggressive implementation of local awareness and environmental consciousness programs.