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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider PCG ready to confront potential disasters, cites MARPOLEX participants

PCG ready to confront potential disasters, cites MARPOLEX participants

Published Jun 29, 2024 06:51 am

BACOLOD CITY – “We stand prepared to confront any potential disasters that may threaten our nations with absolute confidence.”

This was stressed by Coast Guard Vice Admiral Rolando Lizor Punzalan Jr., deputy commandant for operations of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), as he cited participants for giving their best in meeting the objectives of the Regional Marine Pollution Exercise (MARPOLEX) held in this city this week.

MARPOLEX BACOLOD.jpeg

COAST Guards from the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia perform maritime exercises in this year’s Regional Marine Pollution Exercise (MARPOLEX) at the Bredco Port in Bacolod City on Wednesday, June 26. (Photo courtesy of PCG)

Punzalan, during the closing ceremony of the event on Thursday, June 27, said that the contingents’ proper training has molded them to become capable leaders.

“As we have all witnessed, our men demonstrated courage, capability, preparedness, and readiness in their dedication to oil spill response,” Punzalan said, noting that previous MARPOLEX conducted over the years has helped them become experts in combating oil spill incidents.

Looking ahead, Punzalan noted that vast development in technology seems promising in the maritime industry, as this technological progress serves as a valuable asset, enhancing the efficient management of oil spill responses, firefighting, and search and rescue operations.

He stressed that this will reduce the burden on the personnel while delivering equal or even better results.

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, who hosted a farewell dinner for participants at the Negros Residences here on Thursday, stressed that the need for a strong presence of Coast Guard is imperative for the security and protection of both the environment and people.

As an archipelago surrounded by bodies of water and with a coastline consisting of thousands of kilometers, Lacson said that the unwavering service of the PCG guarantees the safety and security of the seas, the lives of the people, and the integrity of the environment, protection, and maintenance of these assets for the benefit of current and future generations.

The Visayas maritime region is endowed with incredible natural beauty, thriving biodiversity, and abundant resources, according to Lacson.

With the remarkable demonstration of skills, coordination, dedication, and collaboration among nations, Lacson is confident that the knowledge and experiences gained by the Coast Guard through the MARPOLEX will be invaluable in the ongoing efforts to protect the marine resources.

The governor thanked those involved in making MARPOLEX 2024 a success, adding that the presence of PCG and its partner-nations is a testament to a shared commitment to safeguarding the marine environment, fostering international cooperation, and enhancing collective preparedness against marine pollution.

Lacson also thanked guests from Japan and Indonesia for their unwavering commitment and traveling great distances to be able to share their expertise in the activity. “Your contributions have enriched this exercise and we look forward to continued collaboration in the years ahead,” he said.

Mayor Albee Benitez thanked the Coast Guards' unwavering commitment to ensuring maritime safety. “At the end of the day, there is only one world that we have to take care of,” he added.

The PCG hosted this year’s MARPOLEX, with Japan and Indonesia Coast Guard, and observers from the Republic of Korea, Vietnam, and the United States from June 24 to 28. The five-day activity is being conducted every two years.

Vessels that participated in the exercises held at the Bredco Port here on Wednesday, June 26, were Japan’s PLH 02 TSUGARU and Indonesia’s KN TRISULA P111, and the PCG’s BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV 8301), MRRV 4408-BRP Cape San Agustin, TB 271-BRP Habagat, and FPB 2404-BRP Kalanggaman.

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Bacolod City Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) MARPOLEX
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