The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) formally inaugurates its first quarantine facility that can accommodate up to 224 PCG frontline personnel last 10 October 2020.

Department of Transportation - Philippines (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade, together with PCG Commandant, Admiral George V Ursabia Jr, led the inauguration of the quarantine facility dedicated to PCG frontline personnel who have contracted COVID-19 in the performance of their duties and responsibilities.

However, Secretary Tugade said that PCG is ready to accommodate ordinary citizens, if and when the need arises.

"Kung may problema, kung may nagkasakit. May matutuluyan at masasabing sariling atin. Sinasaluduhan ko kayo at natutuwa ako na may pasilidad na magagamit, hindi lamang para sa mga magkakasakit na personnel ng Coast Guard, kung hindi bukas para sa iba kung sakaling kailanganin. This is the humanity and Christianity, not only of Commandant Ursabia pero sa lahat ng Philippine Coast Guard," Secretary Tugade said.

This Php 35 million quarantine facility located at the Coast Guard Base Taguig, is made of good quality container vans, and is equipped with sewerage, electrical, and air conditioning systems. It also has a modest leisure area.

Inside also is a medical station with sufficient storage for PPE sets, medical supplies, and medicines, as well as a 26-bed capacity accommodation for PCG nurses and health workers.

"It is true — the steadfast spirit of our frontliners that until now are able to perform their duties beyond expectations, especially in this challenging time. To all of you in the frontlines, we dedicate this newly-constructed quarantine facility," Commandant Ursabia expressed.

As PCG continues to fulfill its duty to protect the Filipino people, it also ensures the health and safety of its frontline personnel through the conduct of bi-monthly swab tests; replenishment of vitamins, provision of PPE sets, and other medical supplies, among others. Commandant Ursabia also announced that the PCG remains zero mortality rate in its personnel.

"I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the overwhelming support from the Department of Transportation, especially to Secretary Arthur Tugade, who pushed for the realization of this global undertaking. Thank you for being such a good father to the PCG. In closing, I challenge everyone to remain steadfast in facing uncertainties in the new normal. I firmly believe that with God, we will not fail because we are not alone in this fight. Let prayers be our weapon against the unseen enemy," Commandant Ursabia said.

In his speech, Secretary Tugade also gave the go-signal for the construction of the PCG K-9 institute to be located in Clark, Pampanga by announcing that the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has committed to provide a seed capital of Php 100 million to fund the project.

Joining the event were DOTr Undersecretary Garry De Guzman, Office for Transportation Security (OTS) Undersecretary Raul Del Rosario, DOTr Assistant Secretary Narciso Vingson Jr, DOTr Assistant Secretary Eymard Eje, and distinguished Coast Guard officials and personnel.