PCG bares plan to improve facilities at Kalayaan Island Group this year
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will allocate funds for the improvement of its facilities in three islands in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), a top official said on Wednesday, Jan. 10, following a successful resupply mission.
PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan said their facilities that will be subjected to improvements are those located at the Lawak Island, the Panata Island, and the Pag-asa Island, which are included in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).
“Coast Guard facilities in these islands will undergo improvements this year. The PCG will utilize its Fiscal Year 2024's additional budget for infrastructure development to boost response and monitoring capabilities in the WPS,” said Gavan.
The PCG has been at the forefront of the enforcement of maritime laws at the West Philippines Sea, which include ensuring the safety of local fishermen and escorting vessels that deliver assistance packages to Filipino fishermen.
The PCG has been very active in reporting updates at the West Philippine Sea such as the presence of Chinese vessels within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
On Wednesday, PCG Capt. Dennis Labay, commander of the Coast Guard District Palawan (CGDPAL), said his men were successful in the conduct of rotation and resupply (RORE) missions in the West Philippine Sea from Jan. 3 to 9.
"While we fully understand that it is part of their job, we also want to lift their morale by allowing them to see their families after performing their duties for the nation. Then, they will prepare and be ready to be deployed again," said Labay.
Members of the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP-MARIG) also supported the initiative.