Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman has approved the creation of 4,000 new uniformed positions for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. This includes 819 officer positions and 3,181 non-officer positions, marking a significant step in strengthening the PCG’s operational capacity.
The expansion aims to enhance the PCG’s ability to perform its core functions, including maritime safety administration, marine environmental protection, maritime security and law enforcement, and search and rescue operations.
“This significant development will surely boost the operational capabilities of our brave men and women in the Philippine Coast Guard,” said Secretary Pangandaman. “Mahalaga ang gampanin nila sa pagprotekta sa seguridad ng bansa at pag-agapay sa mga kababayan natin tuwing may kalamidad o sakuna. That’s why we are one with them in building a more resilient and responsive PCG workforce.”
Beyond disaster response and assistance, the PCG plays a crucial role in safeguarding Philippine territory, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, where monitoring and enforcement are vital to protecting the country’s maritime sovereignty. As part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas program, the PCG continues to invest in facilities, operations, and workforce development to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos.
The creation of these additional positions aligns with the PCG’s 7-year Recruitment Plan, which targets a total force of 37,869 personnel by 2026. This plan is structured to meet both domestic and international maritime demands while supporting capacity-building initiatives for uniformed personnel.
The approved positions will increase the PCG’s total manpower to 34,430 from the current 30,430 authorized positions, further enhancing its ability to respond to the nation’s maritime and coastal security needs.