THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) fully welcomes a proposed piece of legislation that calls for the modernization of the PCG so that it can respond to the challenges facing the maritime sector and also national security issues.
“This will enable us to fulfill our mandates. The PCG is not only a maritime agency in charge of managing the sea but also a tool for national security and development,” PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said.
Gavan thanked Senator Sherwin Gatchalian for supporting efforts toward PCG modernization by filing Senate Bill No. 2516 or the PCG Modernization Act.
“We need this law to be present everywhere and be capable of responding to the current challenges in the maritime sector,” the PCG Commandant added.
As proposed, the bill “will provide for a modernization program to enhance PCG’s assets and facilities, bolster its capabilities, and strengthen the effective implementation of its mandate under Republic Act 9993 or the Philippine Coast Guard Law.”
It will also “develop a more mobile and visible Coast Guard force that will establish its vision of a world-class guardian of the sea by 2025, acquire and upgrade appropriate technology and equipment, and strategically improve and construct bases, installations, and other PCG facilities.”
Aside from the PCG’s modernization, the proposed measure also seeks the creation of the PCG Modernization Trust Fund with an initial allocation of P1 billion.
“It is imperative that our government provides the necessary support to have a responsive and well-equipped PCG with enhanced technical and legal capabilities in maritime safety, maritime security, maritime search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and maritime environmental protection to ensure our maritime presence,” Senator Gatchalian said in a statement.
“With the advent of various maritime issues currently faced by the country, from maritime disasters and incidents such as oil spills, ship collisions, and grounding to ongoing harassment in the West Philippine Sea, there is a need to continuously modernize and enhance the capabilities of the PCG to respond to all these incidents effectively,” he furthered.