The Department of Transportation - Philippines (DOTr) is prioritizing the modernization of the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) aerial and marine assets to better protect the West Philippine Sea and avoid a repeat of oil spill incidents that has damaged the country’s marine environment.

Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista assured PCG officials of the agency’s support to strengthen its capability in responding to maritime incidents and man the country’s coastlines, especially the West Philippine Sea.

“What we should be prioritizing is the modernization of your sea and air assets. The DOTr’s support to your modernization plan manifests our solidarity to your noble cause of protecting our seas,” Sec. Bautista said during the DOTr-PCG senior leaders’ meeting on Thursday.

“This is integral to fulfilling your other mandates, more so at any calculated response at the West Philippine Sea. The DOTr commits to provide the coast guard needed assistance to achieve zero casualty incident target,” he added.

Sec. Bautista said the PCG must assess existing resources to gauge its capability and strategize in carrying out its mandate.

The transport chief likewise emphasized that activating emergency plans must be automatic and immediate to prevent any maritime disaster.

During the meeting PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan and other PCG officials discussed with Sec. Bautista the status of different PCG plans for modernization, including maritime security challenges, efforts in the WPS and other concerns.

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