PCG challenged to target zero maritime accidents

MANILA, Philippines - Transportation and Communications Secretary Jose de Jesus has challenged the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to attain zero maritime accidents.

“I reiterate to you the challenge of zero maritime accidents this year, next year and all the years to come…This means that they have to be more vigilant, more strict in the enforcement of safety rules so we don’t take unnecessary risks,” De Jesus told the PCG during its 109th anniversary yesterday.

PCG commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo welcomed the challenge and said they would attain the goal notwithstanding the lack of manpower and equipment.

“If we only integrate all our resources then we would be able to fill up the shortages. We are also grateful for the private-public partnership so it is not only government, everyone must help out,” Tamayo said.

The PCG is providing training to national and local response units of the government in a bid to increase the number of search and rescue groups responding to emergencies and calamities.

De Jesus, for his part, said he was impressed by the performance of the PCG, particularly during the onslaught of typhoon “Juan” that battered the provinces of northern Luzon.

De Jesus noted the PCG was able to attain zero casualties among fishermen when the typhoon hit northern Luzon last Monday.

Tamayo said they were able to respond accordingly following the weather updates and advisories from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) that allowed them to make early preparations.

Tamayo said the PCG has also taken a more proactive role in warning or recalling fishermen during severe weather conditions.

He said such precautions are necessary since an average of 20 tropical cyclones enter the country every year.

Tamayo though expressed hope that the PCG budget for next year would be approved to allow the recruitment of additional 500 personnel. The Coast Guard presently have only 6,000 officers and men scattered across the country.

Tamayo said they are targeting spending P1.6 billion of their budget to acquire two rescue helicopters that would be of great help in the conduct of search and rescue missions.

He said the PCG is also planning to continue to develop their bases in Romblon, Mactan in Cebu and in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental.