The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance the country’s capability to respond to oil spill this morning, 24 February 2020.

Vice Admiral George Ursabia of the PCG – Marine Environment Protection Command (MEPCOM) expressed his gratitude to the OSRL for their willingness to assist the PCG in improving the knowledge, skills, and expertise of MEPCOM personnel in containing, mitigating, and recovering spilled oil in Philippine waters.

Meanwhile, Regional Director for Asia Pacific Darren Waterman of OSRL shared that protecting the oceans and seas from the negative impacts of oil spill is their priority to uphold marine environment protection.

Capt. Rudyard Somera of the PCG’s National Operation Center for Oil Pollution (NOCOP) assured maritime stakeholders and the general public that the PCG remains at the forefront of protecting the country’s marine environment by actively responding to marine pollution incidents, strengthening its manpower, and improving its equipment and resources for the benefit of the future generation.

By integrating local and international resources for the building of comprehensive communication systems, generating baseline information, and increasing pool of expertise, OSRL and PCG believe that the marine environmental hazards of sea navigation will continue to be reduced significantly, amid modernization of the maritime industry.