Coast Guard acquires maritime telecom facilities

To further improve its quick response and preparedness system, the Coast Guard has acquired the Maritime Telecommunications Office (MTO) from the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

In a simple turnover ceremony last Jan. 30 at the MTO in Mandaluyong City, Vice Admiral Reuben Lista, Coast Guard commandant, cited the importance of the acquired communication facilities to bolster the government’s maritime safety campaign.

"With the acquisition of the MTO, the Coast Guard can now act quickly on maritime tragedies and hasten the relay of information to other Coast Guard districts and stations," Lista said.

Transportation and Communications Undersecretary Delia Hoy-Ganaden presided over the MTO turnover.

With the turnover, the MTO facilities in Mandaluyong City and relay towers in Taguig and Balagtas, Bulacan will be repaired and integrated into the Coast Guard’s communications system.

The facilities, inoperational since November 2000, will also be utilized to monitor distress voice signals, disseminate maritime information and report violations of maritime law enforcement and marine environmental laws..

"The facilities will bolster the maritime safety campaign of the government and will benefit not only the maritime industry but the nation as well," Lista said. – Nestor Etolle