The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Army (PA) have joined hands in future conduct of manpower education and training.
The two agencies signed a memorandum of understanding on November 23 intended to unite both service commands.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard, it is the realization of the verbal commitment between Admiral George Ursabia Jr, Coast Guard commandant, and Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Cirilito Sobejana, PA commanding general, to work as strong, collaborative, and united Philippine service commands during the latter’s courtesy visit at the Coast Guard National headquarters in September.
Under the pact, both parties will receive promising scholarship grants in partnership with other government agencies, funding support on technical workshops, as well as assistance in funding applications through letter support or proposal and direct coordination with regional or international training organizations.
The PCG will also join PA internal meetings and vice versa, giving the other party an avenue to provide policy comments and recommendations.
“This MOU urges us to work together more closely towards our common goal–the pursuit to enhance training, as we recognize the need for partnership, convergence, and collaboration. This joint venture is a good opportunity to develop interoperability between the Coast Guard and the Army,” Ursabia said.
The commandant said the memorandum of understanding (MOU) was completed in eight weeks.
“I am confident that through our efforts and commitment, we will be able to achieve more and develop stronger relationships. May this MOU serve as a foundation of mutual trust and respect of our capabilities as Philippine service commands that are geared towards the training and transformation of future PCG and PA personnel who are strong, collaborative, and united,” Ursabia added.
Sobejana, for his part, said the MOU will allow the PA to further support the Coast Guard in the performance of its functions on maritime law enforcement and maritime security and vice versa, thereby enhancing public service to the Filipino people.
“This mutual endeavor will surely capacitate our forces to help each other in accomplishing our respective mandates. Kaya sa ating patuloy na pakikipag-ugnayan, tiyak na maisakakatuparan natin ang ating mga adhikain para sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng ating bayan (With the continuous coordination, our goal towards peace and success for the nation will be realized),” Sobejana said.