Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral George Ursabia Jr. underscored promoting peace and prosperity in the inauguration of the Coast Guard sub-station in Luuk, Sulu on Jan. 23.
Ursabia and Luuk Mayor Maryam Arbison led the inauguration and blessing of the 600 square meter land, located at Port Area, Barangay Tanduh Bato, donated by the Arbison family in support of the Coast Guard’s mission to find a strategic location in the eastern part of Sulu to extend humanitarian services to local residents.
“We are here to serve our ‘kababayan’ in this part of the country by ensuring maritime security, promoting safe and swift movement of people and cargoes, and helping them to preserve the rich marine environment," Ursabia said in a statement on Tuesday.
Ursabia said the PCG will work with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and local government units (LGUs) in promoting peace and prosperity in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
"Sulu, for one, has a potential for tourism. Let us not waste it. Let us convert it into an opportunity — a game changer for the entire country. There is a need for us to jumpstart the local economy. We have to do our part," Ursabia said.
"Let us continue to pray and hope that we will be able to move forward and see a better Sulu and Tawi-Tawi for the good of mankind," he added.
Meanwhile, also present during the inauguration were Sulu second district congressman Abdulmunir, Commodore Edgar Boado of the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao, Philippine Navy Colonel Hernanie Songano and Philippine Navy Colonel Gregorio Hernandez Jr.