Admiral Artemio Abu, Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), on Friday, May 12, expressed support to a proposed Senate legislation that aims to modernize and enhance the agency’s capabilities to better protect the country’s maritime domain. (File photo) Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense, filed Senate Bill No. 2112 or the Philippine Coast Guard Modernization Act last May 3 so that the PCG can “better protect the country’s maritime interests, address outdated equipment, enhance disaster response capabilities, and boost the country’s economy.” Through the PCG Modernization Act, Abu said that the challenges they face, which hinder their efficiency, may be addressed including lack of modern assets and equipment, and personnel training, among others. “SB No. 2112 would help the PCG swiftly acquire state-of-the-art assets and resources for maritime law enforcement, maritime security, maritime safety, maritime search and rescue, and marine environmental protection,” Abu said. He added that It will also strengthen the agency’s maritime patrol capabilities toward securing the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) as it will enable them to procure modern assets and train its personnel. The PCG is working together with the Philippine Navy in patrolling the country's territorial waters including the tense West Philippine Sea (WPS). “Moreover, SB No. 2112 will enhance Coast Guard capabilities in addressing environmental threats, such as oil spills, that damage the country's rich marine resources,” the PCG chief stressed.  This was evident when the country had to wait for equipment such as underwater robot or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) from other countries just to address the massive spill in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro in February since they have no such advance equipment. “On the proposed bill, the legislator also emphasized the need to develop PCG's training and capacity-building programs to professionalize its workforce and ensure they are well-trained in conducting a wide array of Coast Guard operations,” Abu added.  At present, the PCG has a total strength of 26,300 personnel, of which, 89 percent or around 23,400 are enlisted personnel while 11 percent or 2,900 are commissioned officers. The proposed PCG modernization program has five main components which focus on organization development (restructuring and streamlining of units), human resources (personnel professionalization), development of doctrines, infrastructure development, and equipment and facilities acquisition and modernization. According to Go, there was an increase in maritime incidents and accidents such as ship collisions, groundings, and oil spills in recent years which prompted him to pursue the legislation. He said that a total of 4,467 maritime incidents were recorded within the country’s territorial waters from 2016 to 2019 which highlighted the need to enhance the PCG’s capability to respond to such cases effectively. “The Philippine Coast Guard faces several challenges that hinder its improvement and long-term efficiency. The lack of necessary resources such as modern vessels, aircraft, and other equipment, as well as trained personnel, poses a significant hindrance to its ability to carry out its duties effectively,” Go said. “Outdated equipment and inadequate disaster response capabilities further complicate the Coast Guard’s role in disaster response efforts, which is critical given the Philippines’ vulnerability to natural disasters,” he continued. If the legislation is enacted, the PCG Chief is expected to submit to Congress their proposed PCG modernization program within 90 days for an evaluation. A PCG modernization trust fund shall also be created.