The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday, May 12, stated its support of Senator Christopher "Bong" Go's proposed Senate Bill No. 2112 (filed on May 3, 2023), modernizing the agency to can better protect the country's maritime domain.
The bill will help PCG acquire state-of-the-art assets and resources for maritime law enforcement, maritime security, safety, search and rescue, as well as marine environmental protection, according to PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Artemio M. Abu.
Sen. Go, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on National Defense, stressed the proposed bill will allow the PCG to reduce, if not eradicate, maritime accidents and speed up its response time during search and rescue operations.
Once passed into law, it will also strengthen the PCG's maritime patrol capabilities toward securing the country's exclusive economic zones (EEZ).
Moreover, SB No. 2112 will enhance tge Coast Guard capabilities in addressing environmental threats, such as oil spills, that damage the country's rich marine resources.
The legislator also emphasized the need to develop PCG's training and capacity-building programs to professionalize its workforce.
"I believe that the modernization of our Coast Guard is not only crucial for our national security but also for the safety and well-being of our citizens, especially those who rely on our seas and waterways for their livelihood," Sen. Go underscored.
"We must ensure that PCG is fully equipped and prepared to protect our waters and our people."