The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) have strengthened their partnership to improve the Pasig River Ferry Service in preparation for the holiday season.
PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan, represented by CG Rear Admiral Hostillo Arturo Cornelio and MMDA Acting Chairman, Atty. Romando Artes, represented by Atty. Crisanto Saruca presided over the ceremonial presentation of the PCG-MMDA memorandum of agreement ( MOA ) at the Guadalupe Ferry Station at around 5PM today, 12 December 2023.
Pasig River Ferry Service Head, Engr. Romano NiΓ±alga also graced the event.
According to the MOA signed on 07 November 2023, the PCG and MMDA have committed to enhancing sea transport and traffic management in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The MMDA shall continue to operate the Pasig River Ferry Service with a designated route to and from Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City and Escolta, Manila, as an alternative mode of transportation for Metro Manila commuters.
The MOA also highlighted that the MMDA tapped the PCG as Coast Guardians possess necessary competence and proficiency in operating, maintaining, and securing the Pasig River Ferry Service.
The MMDA also authorizes Coast Guard personnel to utilize their rescue boats and augment PCG's floating assets during disaster response operations.
To ensure the efficient delivery of public service, the PCG will establish an outpost at the Pasig River Ferry Service and deploy a sufficient number of personnel to perform the following functions:
1) conduct pre-departure inspections onboard ferries to ensure commuter safety;
2) conduct emergency readiness evaluation with crew and passengers;
3) launch search and rescue operations during maritime incidents within the vicinity waters off Pasig River; and
4) ensure the optimal operations of the Pasig River Ferry Service through regular maintenance and repair activities.
"As Metro Manila passengers find it more difficult to commute this holiday season due to the increasing number of vehicles in the NCR, it is high time for the PCG and MMDA to work together and provide a practicable alternative that will allow them to save time and energy, especially during work days," CG Admiral Gavan shared in a statement.
"We thank the MMDA for trusting our personnel and believing that the PCG can help them fulfill one of their critical mandates," the Coast Guard Commandant furthered.
"Rest assured that Coast Guardians will give Metro Manila commuters a safe, secure, convenient, and comfortable sea transportation alternative. We will make sure that the best public service will always prevail," he ended.