ILOILO CITY—The P50-million new headquarters of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in the Western Visayas region has opened in Iloilo City.
Secretary Art Tugade of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and PCG Commandant Vice Admiral Leopoldo Laroya led the Nov. 8 inauguration of the new PCG district headquarters in Barrio Obrero.
According to Tugade, the newly opened PCG Headquarters aims to strengthen and support the PCG workforce in carrying out its mission of safeguarding life and property, marine environment protection, as well as in conducting humanitarian missions, disaster response and disaster management operations.
Tugade acknowledged Iloilo City Rep. Julienne “Jamjam” Baronda for making efforts to get the funding for the new PCG’s district headquarters, which was built in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Tugade also announced the proposed construction of a regional headquarters for the newly-formed Philippine Shore Auxiliary, a group of volunteers that will augment the PCG in protecting the safety and security of coastal towns.
Jay Santiago. general manager of the Philippine Ports Authority (PAA) was given orders to plan the construction within the complex of the PCG district headquarters and maximize the space.