CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard has established in Capiz province its first search and rescue base for easier and faster response in times of calamity, such as the days of Yolanda.
A groundbreaking ceremony will be held today (April 12) at Culasi Port in Roxas City with Transportation Secretary Emilio Joseph Abaya and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas III in attendance. The two officials will also lead the blessing rites of the new PCG Station-Roxas building.
Commodore Athelo Ybañez, PCG-Western Visayas chief, said the SAR base project will cost more than P200 million.
Why Roxas City? Ybañez said: “It has a lot advantages. Panay is situated in the center of the Philippine archipelago, making it easier to respond in times of need. The area is also in close proximity to urban centers.â€
The SAR base will also support other PCG’s duties, such as maritime law enforcement, oil spill response, and maritime security operations. Other facilities will be a mini-hospital, monitoring center, berthing space for PCG vessels, helipad and a multipurpose hall.
Ybañez said a similar facility may be set up in other parts of the country. (FREEMAN)