The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will install a radar tower in Candon City, Ilocos Sur that will improve its ability to detect, observe and monitor the movement of vessels several miles away from the coastline of Northwest Luzon.
Captain Ivan Roldan, commander of Coast Guard District Northwestern Luzon (CGDNWLZN), and Candon City Mayor Eric Singson signed the deed of usufruct for the planned radar tower on Wednesday, April 17.
The monitoring structure will be built at the Coast Guard sub-station in Candon City but the timeline for it was not discussed in detail by the PCG.
“The installation of a radar tower at the Coast Guard Sub-Station Candon will enhance maritime domain awareness, improve search and rescue operations, and boost maritime security within Northwestern Luzon,” Roldan said.
The construction of the radar tower aims to support the PCG in upholding maritime law enforcement, maritime security, and maritime safety in the area.
The PCG has been establishing monitoring facilities and infrastructure all over the country to enhance its maritime domain awareness (MDA) capabilities.
The country has one of the longest coastlines in the world which stretches 36,289 kilometers. It extends 2,000 kilometers from Batanes to Jolo, Sulu, encompassing 25 major cities located on the coast.
The PCG estimates that more than 60 percent of the country’s population lives along the coast.