The controversial dispute in the South China Sea (SCS) or West Philippine Sea (WPS) have opened the government to focus also on maritime security and on enhancing the capability of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). For the longest time, given that the PCG is a century old agency, was neglected thinking that its role is just inspecting ports and ships. In the present times where challenges and threats are manifesting itself in the Philippine maritime environment such as terrorism, kidnapping, trafficking, climate change and other challenges encroaching territorial waters, the responsiveness of the prime maritime organization in dealing these threats are in question.

It is in this context that this study was created to assess the PCG's responsiveness to the challenges and demands of the times through identifying the emerging maritime security challenges, roles and organization of the PCG, and its strategic responsiveness at par with the intent of the National Security Council and the New PCG Strategic Plan.

This study finds the following:
1. The PCG had more than adequately demonstrated its operational responsiveness to its mandates particularly in search and rescue and safety functions where it has already acquired competency. Nonetheless, the responsiveness to maritime security and law enforcement roles need enhancement. Challenges in the maritime security environment are prevalent and emerging nowadays, not to mention, developing and manifesting in different forms. These challenges such as cyber security attack, terrorism, human trafficking, illegal drugs, climate change, increasing vessel traffic, border disputes, and other transnational crimes, must be addressed with updated competencies of PCG personnel. The PCG can perform its roles to act on these problems if personnel are trained more and facilities and equipment are enhanced.
2. The PCG pursues its modernization program in line with PCG Strategic Plan 2013-2028 by acquiring new floating assets and communication equipment. Projected acquisition of additional air assets is on the pipeline. On the other hand, construction and repair of buildings and operational facilities as well as recruitment of additional manpower to achieve the milestones set by the PCG Strategic Plan is ongoing. However, training curricula to operate and maintain new and state-of-the-art assets, equipment and facilities are lacking.
3. The strategic responsiveness of the PCG is limited only to the department level. The impact of its relevance towards attainment of national well-being vis-à-vis to its mandate is not fully appreciated in view of its non-membership in the National Security Council. Its present role is merely to act as "observer" whenever its presence is needed. As per National Security Policy, the maritime environment and its features are big security interests because there are four points in the 12-Point National Security Agenda as stated in the document involving the maritime environment and they are: Maritime and Airspace Security, Border Security, Environment and Disaster Security and, Transportation and Port Security. On this score, the regular presence and active participation of PCG with DOTr in the NSC is imperative and a matter of strategic importance in national policy formulation and recommendation.
4. The present organizational placement of PCG under the civilian department, that is, DOTr remains favorable to pursue its capacity development as compared in the past when it was still under the military. However, the roles of the PCG are more than just transportation concerns. It is part of the bigger security interest which is the maritime environment, thus transferring it to another civilian department, specifically the DILG, which is more of a security oriented functionary than the DOTr which is development oriented, would be more proper and better. It can operationally run on its own like the PNP which is autonomous. The DILG can provide more the needed resources, discipline and others. The interoperability of the PCG with similar internal security forces of the state like the PNP, BJMP and BFP under the same department in charge of internal security concerns would become more effective, efficient and easier during security operations.

This study recommends the following:
1. Review and revision of PCG TOE, curricula and different training directives of the PCG.
2. Recommend inclusion of the PCG or DOTr in the National Security Council.
3. Recommend transfer of the PCG from DOTr to DILG, or be clustered under the Internal Security department should one be created under the proposed Rightsizing the National Government Act of 2017 pending in Congress.