The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Occidental Mindoro Lone District Representative Leody Tarriela urge Congress to approve and pass House Bill (HB) No. 8028 or the "PCG Modernization Act" into law.

On the said HB filed on 10 May 2023, Cong. Tarriela recognizes the need for the Coast Guard's capability enhancement to guarantee the efficient execution of its mandates.

"[The current maritime] challenges require the PCG to operate with the highest level of efficiency and effectiveness to safeguard the country's maritime interests and territorial integrity. The current capabilities of the PCG, however, are insufficient to execute its mandates," the legislator said.

"This bill, therefore, proposes a modernization program that aims to acquire state-of-the-art air and floating assets and implement interoperable communication systems to safeguard the country's maritime interests," Cong. Tarriela furthered.

HB No. 8028 shall be divided into four tiers of development.

As the Occidental Mindoro Lone District Representative emphasized, the first tier shall focus on constructing PCG Response Bases and improving the PCG's maritime domain awareness capabilities.

The second tier shall cover Coast Guard infrastructure development and acquisition of state-of-the-art vessels and equipment to advance its interdiction and maritime law enforcement capabilities.

The third tier shall pave the way for strengthening the PCG's coastal defense by acquiring and developing more offshore patrol vessels similar to BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) from France.

It shall also include acquiring air assets and providing more capacity-building opportunities for the Coast Guard Aviation Force to bolster airspace security within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Furthermore, the fourth and last tier shall involve the construction of more PCG training facilities to continuously enhance the skills and abilities of its workforce, as well as shipyards and hangars to secure Coast Guard assets and equipment.

These infrastructure projects, the legislator added, shall also contribute to regional industrial infrastructure development and national security.

According to HB No. 8028, each tier shall be implemented for three years, covering 12 years for the complete execution of the proposed PCG Modernization Act.

PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Artemio M Abu, thanked Cong. Tarriela, for recognizing the need for Coast Guard modernization to protect and uphold the country's sovereignty.

"As we continue to expand our workforce and imbibe the spirit of nationalism in every Coast Guardian, now is the perfect time to implement the PCG modernization program," CG Admiral Abu expressed.

"We envision the PCG as a symbol of hope and a source of our nation's pride. Rest assured that HB No. 8208, once passed into law, shall serve as our compass in ensuring a safe and secure Philippine maritime domain," the Coast Guard Commandant assured.