The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has vowed full support to the implementation of the “PortEC Project," a multi-sectoral and multi-regional project aimed at protecting all Philippine ports from being the entry point of diseases especially coming from abroad.
In a statement, the PCG said their initial contribution is to regularly monitor the water quality in as many sea ports in the country.
“PCG personnel of the Coast Guard Marine Environmental Protection Command assist in the weekly conduct of water quality monitoring in Manila Bay and at the Cunanan Wharf to determine the physical and chemical characteristics of port waters,” it added.
The “PortEC Project,” led by the University of the Philippines Diliman, aims to obtain all-encompassing baselines by looking at marine species present in Philippine ports using ecological, microbiological, and environmental DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) approaches.
The project is important to the maritime industry in order to ensure that all ports are protected from biological invasion, spread of any disease, marine pathogen, and harmful organisms. It also aims to turn all ports in the country to become compliant to the international standard. On February 4, the PCG has conducted a water quality analysis in Manila Bay and several provincial ports such as Bicol, Cebu, and Davao to address the marine pollution.