Congressman Cesar Sarmiento Speech

WHY DO WE SERVE?

A very good afternoon to everyone. In Bikol, dios marhay na hapon sa gabos.

Before anything else, allow me to introduce myself again to you: My name is Cesar V. Sarmiento.

I currently serve the lone district of Catanduanes as Congressman.

At the same time, I currently serve the whole nation as Chairman to YOUR Committee on Transportation in the House of Representatives. The Committee in Transportation is charged with taking up bills relating to transportation - land, air, and water. We also have the duty to oversee the various transportation agencies and other related agencies such as the Philippine Coast Guard among others.

Now, I know you hear this everytime but believe me when I say that - I am privileged to be invited in the National Convention of the Philippines Coast Guard Auxiliary. To stand before great men and women like you today is an honor. Thank you for that honor. Let me proceed with my speech...

"WHY DO I BOX? WHY DO I FIGHT?" These questions were thrown out by our pambansang kamao, my colleague in Congress and dear friend, Cong. Manny Pacquiao in a documentary showcasing his life and illustrious career in boxing. These questions he asked himself at the end of the documentary as if to reflect on his fights, victories, and defeats - in and out of the ring.

Today, my dear friends from the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, I want you to have a moment of reflection before we begin to participate in this year's Annual Convention...

I throw you a similar question: "WHY DO WE SERVE?" "WHY DO WE SERVE?" "WHY DO WE SERVE?"

There are lots of possible answers to the question. Some will say that they serve because they like the prestige. There are some who say that they like to serve because of the power.

A true servant however knows that he serves not because of prestige - Unbeknownst to many, a lot of hard work and sacrifices are made by those who choose to serve. The general public do not see it but the life of those who truly serve is not an easy one. They lose sleep over it. Sometimes family time suffers. Sometimes, even the condition of health is on the line. There will be times when your very life will be at risk.

A true servant knows that he serves not because of power. Power is fleeting. It may be there for a moment but it will be gone soon.

So WHY DO WE SERVE?

I humbly propose an answer to that query. WE SERVE BECAUSE IT IS OUR PASSION TO SERVE.

The moment I came to this place, I felt each and everyone here today shares the same passion to serve.

Let it be known:

(1) You, the members of the PCGA, fill an important role in the country - Your noble response to the needs of the country and the Philippine Coast Guard is needed-more so now and more than ever. The dangers of the sea, the threat to our country's marine environment, the need for navigational aids and the call for help in times when search and rescue operations are needed are responded to with sufficiency and expertise by you.

(2) Let it also be known... More than any other country which has its own Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Philippines need its Coast Guard Auxiliary. People must never forget (and I am sure they forget) that we live in an archipelago. Being in an archipelago, we have lot of "coasts" to "guard". Being in an archipelago, we have lot of marine life to protect. Being in an archipelago, insofar as taking care of our territorial land and waters, the Philippines MUST get all the help that I can to preserve our country. That is where the PCG Auxiliary comes in.

To an extent, the name PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD AUXILIARY especially the word AUXILIARY comes to me as an irony. Why?

For one, the word auxiliary is interpreted by some people as a supplement.

My dear friends, let me tell you: the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary should not be treated as a mere supplement.

Given the kind of work that you do, your service is not a mere supplement but is essential to the country!!!

Given the various issues coming up in a world where territorial disputes and environmental hazards have become a reality, the PCGA should not be treated as a supplement but as an ESSENTIAL PARTNER of the PCGA and AN ESSENTIAL CONTRIBUTOR to the development of the Philippines.

The way I see it... the heart of the PCGA lies deep love for our Philippines and out of that love comes a unwavering spirit of voluntarism to server our follow Filipinos. You all come here out of your own freewill with nothing but your knowledge, expertise, skills and love for your fellow men.

As a nation, many have criticized that the problem with the Philippines is that its own people do not love its country and look only after their self-interests. To these critics I tell them: TAKE A LOOK AT THE MEN AND WOMEN OF PCGA AND TAKE BACK YOUR WORDS!

My dear friends, the PCGA now stands at a very interesting point in history. Our country is faced with threats over territory, over our marine wealth and over risks in security and safety.

Rise to the challenge: Never cease extending your assistance to the brave men and women of the Coast Guard and to the Filipino People. We need you now more than ever.

I have fully supported the Coast Guard from the day that I was appointed as Chairman of the Transportation Committee. That support not only goes to the PCG but extends to the Philipine Coast Guard Auxiliary. Know that you have a partner in Congress. The Committee on Transportation is open to suggestions and ideas to the challenges we face today.

Moreover, the Committee's main line of work is to create laws to enhance the state of transportation in country. I strongly believe however that not all challenges should be responded to with a creation of law. There are times when a less formal approach like forging partnerships or self-policing are the ways by which problems can be solved. So the PCGA: Be bold. Be daring. Be creative. Explore other ways by which we can solve our problems.

In closing, I would like to say this: Thank you the PCGA for your valuable service and dedication to the country.

The moment I came here, I knew that we had the same answer to the question I posed you earlier.

WHY DO WE SERVE?

We serve because it is our passion.

May that fire of passion never cease to burn. May that fire of passion to serve guide our fellow Filipinos especially in times of darkness as we venture on forward.

My name is Cesar Sarmiento. Thank you and mabuhay kayong lahat!