GOOD NEWS: Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, CG Admiral Artemio M Abu, led the ceremonial blessing and inauguration of the Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) Pasig inside the Presidential Security Group (PSG) Compound, Malacañang Palace, yesterday, 20 September 2023.

The PSG headed by Brigadier General Ramon Zagala of the Philippine Army (PA) accorded an arrival ceremony to CG Admiral Abu.

Said activity, spearheaded by Commander, Maritime Safety Services Command, CG Vice Admiral Joseph Coyme and was also attended by PCG Deputy Commandant for Operations, CG Vice Admiral Rolando Lizor Punzalan Jr, Commander, Special Operations Force (SOF), CG Rear Admiral Edgardo Hernando; Commander, Coast Guard Medical Service, CG Commodore Alexis Calderon; senior and junior officers; and non-officers of the PCG.

In his welcome remarks, CG Vice Admiral Coyme narrated that five months ago, he presented before the Commander, PSG the role of the VTMS Pasig project as an integral security component of Malacañang. He was reminded of the challenges encountered while trying to finish the project at the soonest possible time. He, then, extended his gratitude to different PCG units for their contribution to the successful completion of the VTMS project. CG Vice Admiral Coyme also emphasized that VTMS Pasig is a testament to the MSSC's steadfast commitment to strengthen its maritime safety enforcement campaign.

The newly inaugurated VTMS Pasig's core mission is to enhance vessel traffic management through real-time monitoring and 24/7 surveillance, efficient routing, and critical coordination within the Pasig River, as well as provide additional security for the Malacañang premises.

Said facility will be manned by competent VTMS Operators from the Navigational Safety Services Unit (NSSU), one of the Functional Support Units (FSUs) of MSSC.

"The Inauguration of this VTMS is a significant step forward for the Philippine Coast Guard that reflects our commitment to the highest standards of safety, security and efficiency", CG Admiral Abu stated.

VTMS Pasig relies on technologies, including CCTV cameras and advanced sensors strategically placed along the Pasig riverbanks, offering operators a comprehensive view of the maritime situation of watercraft transiting the Pasig River.

The inauguration of VTMS Pasig is part of the pre-anniversary activities in celebration of MSSC's 49th Founding Anniversary and is made possible with the collective efforts of MSSC, Coast Guard Weapons, Communications, Electronic Information Systems Command (CGWCEISC), CG-8, CGD NCR-CL, and Coast Guard Station Pasig.

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