The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced Wednesday, Dec. 21, that it will build a regional training center in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte to expand its reach and presence in northwestern Luzon and produce aspirants who will help keep watch of the province's vast coast.

PCG spokesperson Commo. Armando Balilo said the deed of usufruct was signed by the Coast Guard District Northwestern Luzon and Laoag City government on Tuesday.
Present during the ceremony at the Laoag City Hall were Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon, City Administrator lawyer Roxanne Lee Castro, Coast Guard District Northwestern Luzon commander Commodore Philipps Soria, and Captain Paolo Abejuela of the PCG Education, Training and Doctrine Command.
The regional training center of the PCG will be built on a 2.5-hectare land in Barangay 32-B Lapaz in Laoag City. The area will also be the venue where the Coast Guard Sub-Station Laoag will be established.

The two facilities are expected to perform the five core functions of the PCG namely maritime safety, maritime security, maritime law enforcement, marine environmental protection, and maritime search and rescue.
“This is to produce more competitive Coast Guardians who will uphold PCG functions in Ilocos Norte, particularly in Laoag City,” Soria said.
“Further, the PCG’s presence in the area will play a vital role in promoting maritime safety and maritime security, and boosting the tourism industry,” he added.