By PNA and U.S. News Agency / Asian

President Benigno Aquino III formally installed Rear Admiral Edmund Castor Tan as the new Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant replacing Admiral Ramon C. Liwag in ceremonies held at the PCG headquartes in Port Area, Manila on Tuesday.

In his speech keynoting the PCG Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony for Admiral Liwag, the President expressed utmost confidence in the ability, competence and dedication of the new PCG commandant to continue the reforms initiated by his predecessor.

“Buo ang aking kumpyansa sa kakayahan, abilidad at dedikasyon sa serbisyo ni Admiral Tan at tiwala akong maitatawid niya ang Coast Guard sa isang maunlad at modernong daungan,” the President said.

The Chief Executive, reminded Tan to remain steadfast in the performance of his job and in dealing with his men.

“Kay Admiral Tan: huwag kang magpapahila sa tukso ng panlalamang. Naitalaga ka sa isang napakahalagang katungkulan dahil sa tiwalang kaya mong paglingkuran nang buong katapatan at dedikasyon ang sambayanang Pilipino. Huwag mo ring kakaligtaan ang kapakanan at pangangailangan ng iyong mga tauhan. Sila ang magiging katuwang mo sa pagtupad sa iyong sinumpaang tungkulin,” he said.

“Anumang ragasa ng pagsubok, mula man sa masasamang elemento hanggang sa mga sungit ng kalikasan, talagang hindi nagpatinag ang Coast Guard. Sa halip ang mga hamong ito ang nag-panday sa ating Tanod Baybayin upang maging mas matatag na sandigan ng kaligtasan at kapayapaan ng ating teritoryong pandagat,” the President said.

President Aquino said he ordered the creation of National Coast Watch Center to help concerned government agencies to deal the maritime challenges and threats at sea.

“Ito mismo ang dahilan kung bakit sa tulong ng Philippine Navy matagumpay ang ating National Coast Watch Center at mas lalo pang umiigting ang ating mga operasyon laban sa mga banta ng terorismo, iligal na droga, pagpupuslit ng mga armas, human trafficking, iligal na pangingisda, pang-aabuso sa ating maritime environment, transnational crimes, at iba pang sumusubok sa seguridad ng ating bansa,” he said.

For his part, Tan vowed to strengthen the maritime security as he assumed his new post as the 24th commandant of the PCG.

In his speech, Tan said he will abide by President Aquino’s commitment to prioritize maritime security in the face of many challenges and threats at sea.

“Time and again, our President has emphasized the government’s firm commitment to prioritize maritime security in our country, especially in the face of maritime challenges and threats such as terrorism, transnational crimes, drug and firearms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking, climate change, illegal fishing and marine environment degradation,” Tan said.

Tan assured that PCG will coordinate with other uniformed services such as the Phiippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in contributing to the peace and prosperity of the nation.

The newly-installed commandant is a proud son of Dumaguete City. Tan, who was born on December 16, 1956, is a member of Philippine Military Academy “Mapitagan” Class of 1980.

He is a recipient of numerous service and national awards such as the Coast Guard Legion of Honor, Coast Guard Outstanding Achievement Medal and countless merit medals, commendations and plaques. He was bestowed the “2011 Ulirang Ama Award” by the National Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Foundation, Inc. for having excelled in Military and Law Enforcement and exemplified the ideals of model parenthood.