PCG to distribute ‘salbabote’ for rescue missions

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) will distribute 2,000 pieces of an improvised floating device (IFD) called “salbabote” to help in rescue missions during typhoons.

A project of One Meralco Foundation, the non-profit arm of power distributor Manila Electric Co., in partnership with PCGA, the term is a play on the Spanish-based Filipino word for lifesaver “salbabida” compounded with “bote” or bottle.

Salbabote uses empty 1.5-liter softdrink bottles as the primary component in an improvised flotation device.

The device is a PVC-coated mesh bag that contains four plastic bottles, with straps so that it can be worn as a life vest wrapped around the neck and waist.

The device also comes with a long nylon tether strap that can be used to anchor the wearer to a tree or post as a measure against being swept away by rushing floodwaters.

Commodore Gerry Reyes, PCGA chief of staff, said these life-saving devices would be distributed in PCGA’s 12 districts nationwide.

Reyes, a diving instructor for 30 years, was among those who worked on the technical aspect of the salbabote. He had assisted in several search and rescue operations of the PCG.

“There are small salbabote for children because the adult-size ones are too big for them. There are instances that while in the water, the adult would get separated from the child, so the salbabote was designed to have a harness so they could be connected to each other,” he said.

Reyes said they would coordinate with barangay officials to demonstrate the proper use of the salbabote.