MANILA, Philippines (25 July 2019)- Secretary Delfin N Lorenzana of Department of National Defense as Guest of Honor together with Atty. Arthur P Tugade Secretary of Department of Transportation graced the turn-over and blessing ceremony of newly procured Philippine Coast Guard assets, today at National Headquarters Philippine Coast Guard.
These assets include 90 units of 4x4 pick-up trailer hitch ball and mount, 73 rubber boats with outboard motor, 12 units of Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB) with outboard motor, seven units of PCG bus and five fully-equipped ambulances.
Secretary Delfin N Lorenzana congratulated the PCG on this achievement. He is ascertained that the members of the PCG is rejoicing, they can now perform their mandated tasks with optimum result and these assets will enhance PCG’s maritime capability.
Meanwhile, Secretary Arthur P Tugade of the Department of Transportation expressed that warm bodies without assets delimits one’s capacity to perform one’s mandates. With these additional assets, this will boost the morale of the PCG in safeguarding the country’s waters.
During his welcome message, Admiral Elson E Hermogino PCG, commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard said since rainy days are coming, it is the time of the year when the demand for the services of the PCG grows exponentially. He added that on top of PCG’s duty to enforce maritime laws, ensure maritime safety, and protect the marine environment, the PCG has to shield the maritime community from strong and destructive typhoons that often passes through the country this season. It is our duty to always be ready to respond to distress calls and save lives.
The commandant also thanked President Duterte and Secretary Tugade for all the support in the capability development of the PCG.
The Toyota Hilux 4x4 pick-up is capable of loading deflated rubber boats and other cargoes with its rubber boat rack and its back seats can be used to carry PCG personnel during conduct of operations and missions. It is also equipped with Public Address (PA) system, VHF Base Radio Communications, snorkel type air intake, and 6.5 inches touch screen and reverse.
Additional rubber boats were also procured this year. Said rubber boats are also capable in carrying-out PCG operations missions. It is 4.3 meters in length, with 30 horse power outboard motor (OBM) and built in heavy duty transom with stainless support plate.
The RHIB is equipped with outboard motor, navigational equipment such as X Band Radar, 19” 36 NM Range, Electronic Chart Display (ECDIS), Global Positioning System (GPS) and marine VHF Radio for its communication equipment. It will be utilized for patrol and interdiction operations, transport of crew and equipment, search and rescue operations and for diving support activity. It can accommodate 10-12 persons with overall length of seven meters and engine power of 2x175 horse power OBM and can operate at Sea State 4.
On the other hand, the PCG bus can accommodate a minimum of 49 persons equipped with 6.5 inches touch screen monitor with GPS and navigation, VHF radio, dashboard camera, reversed camera, and electrical outlet for wifi ready are also installed in the bus.
The new ambulance is equipped with intra-vehicle intercom system between driver and body, VHF base radio communication with two handheld radio, 6.5 monitor with navigation ready with GPS, ambulance kit including one collapsible wheeled cot stretcher , one laryngoscope set, one portable suction machine, one long bone traction splint, one ambubag with resuscitator, four sets of personal protective equipment, one minor surgical set with bag, one standard first aid kit including the bag and supplies, one BP apparatus and one nebulizer.
These newly acquired Coast Guard assets will be distributed to various PCG districts nationwide to further enhance the fulfillment of PCG’s mandates in the facets of maritime security, search and rescue, response operations, transport crew, patrol and interdiction.