LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – Construction of the Philippine Coast Guard Academy (PCGA) is set to start, Ako Bicol party-list Executive Director Alfredo Garbin announced Wednesday afternoon, August 23.
Garbin said that the construction of the first-ever PCGA will start within this year in Cagraray, Bacacay town, Albay province.
"Hinihintay na lang ‘yung bidding process and the construction will start this year (We are awaiting the bidding process and construction will start this year)," Garbin said.
It has an initial funding of P200 million which was included in the 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
"The P200-million funding for the construction was part of the GAA of 2023 under the able leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez and Appropriation Chairman Zaldy Co of Ako Bicol party-list," Garbin added.
He added that P1.2-billion is needed to complete the construction of the PCGA which will cater to at least 4,000 recruits every year.
Garbin said Ako Bicol has met two PCG officers from Bicol – Flag Officer Rear Admiral Torre from Bacacay and Commodore Fabul from Buhi, Camarines Sur – to discuss the academy.
The PCG has agreement with the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) to admit and train 70 cadets every year.
The proposed PCGA is just like the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) where graduates will be conferred with Bachelor of Science degrees and shall be given the option to be a commissioned officer of the Philippine Navy.