PCG-auxiliary needs more volunteers

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Coastguard Auxiliary in Central Visayas is planning to create three more squadrons in Cebu to get additional volunteers to assist the Philippine Coast Guard.

Newly-elected PCGA-Central Visayas commander Simplicio Gilig said that they are expanding in order to attract more volunteers to assist the PCG in search and rescue operations, environmental clean-up and other community service.

Gilig said that they are at present over 1,000 volunteers all over the region.

The PCGA-CV conducted their first meeting yesterday under Gilig’s leadership after its former commander Norma Porter passed away two months ago.

The meeting, which was attended by various squadron commanders in Cebu City, Dumaguete City, Mactan Island, Bantayan Island and Bohol province, discussed various activities, plans and programs for this year including their upcoming national convention.

To date PCGA-CV volunteers are composed of lawyers, doctors, registered nurses, engineers, among others.

Edith Vera, PCGA-CV deputy commander for operations and the owner of Negros Maritime College Foundation in Dumaguete City, said that she’s been a volunteer for more than 15 years and it gave her a lot of self-fulfillment and sense of happiness of being able to help her fellow Filipinos in times of need.

“Dugay na kaayo ko nga volunteer sa auxiliary and it is very fulfilling to be able to help. I hope daghan pa ang mo-volunteer,” Vera said.

Ralph Yap, squadron commander in Mactan Island, said that they received no salary because being an auxiliary is a purely voluntary.

Gilig is inviting those who wanted to help their fellow Filipinos in times of calamity and those who wanted to protect the environment to join with them.

Gilig added that a team of ten people for every squadron will be trained within the year for “search and rescue” operations.

The PCGA is the civilian support group of the PCG under the Department of Transportation and Communication. It is assisting the PCG in the enforcement of maritime laws, sea safety and search and rescue, marine environment protection and preservation, youth development and humanitarian service. (FREEMAN)