The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and M-NAV Solutions Inc. successfully installed three state-of-the-art lighted ocean buoys in the Philippine Rise on 14 to 16 May 2021.

The buoys were transported by vessel, MV MORNING LIGHT from the Uni-Orient Pearl Ventures Inc. Shipyard in Mandaue, Cebu to the Philippine Rise on 12 May 2021. The vessel arrived in said vicinity waters on 14 May 2021 when the two-day installation commenced.

According to PCG Commandant, Admiral George V Ursabia Jr, the presence of buoys in the Philippine Rise communicates that said vicinity waters is considered a special protected zone. Hence, mining and oil exploration are strictly prohibited to preserve its rich natural resources.

The buoys are equipped with modern marine aids to navigation lanterns, specialized mooring systems, and a remote monitoring system that uses satellite technology to transmit data to the PCG National Headquarters in Port Area, Manila.

The PCG Maritime Safety Services Command (MSSC) said seven more state-of-the-art lighted ocean buoys will arrive in the country this year to mark other vicinity waters inside Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

The PCG is an attached agency of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) under the leadership of Secretary Arthur P. Tugade.