PCG: The National Coast Watch Center (NCWC) Building, which will serve as the national maritime point of contact for maritime security coordination, was officially inaugurated at the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Headquarters in Manila, April 28.

The ceremony included the ceremonial signing of Transfer of Custody by Director Kenneth Myers III of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and Rear Admiral William M Melad PCG, Deputy Commandant of the PCG who is also designated as Acting Director of the NCWC.

This was followed by the unveiling of building plaque, presentation of commemorative and dedication plaque for Director Myers III and the traditional cutting of ribbon.

A demonstration of proof of building and Command Center ensued, followed by a tour and blessing ceremony of the state-of-the-art facilities of the newly constructed building.

The event was spearheaded by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, as the Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker in behalf of the NCWC Chairman, Executive Secretary Paquito N Ochoa Jr.

It was also graced by other distinguished guests such as US Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Philip Goldberg; NCWC Secretariat, Undersecretary Jose Luis M Alano; DOTC Undersecretary Edwin Lopez; Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr; PCG Commandant, Admiral Rodolfo D Isorena; Director of Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group, Police Chief Superintendent Noel Lazarus Vargas and Chief of Office for Legislative Affairs, AFP Col Frederick Evans L Ramos.

The NCWC was instituted in accordance to the Executive Order No. 57 signed by President Benigno Aquino III last 06 September 2011 establishing a National Coast Watch System, providing for its structure and defining the roles and responsibilities of member agencies in providing coordinated inter-agency maritime security operations and for other purposes.

The PCG, Navy, the PNP-Maritime Group, Philippine Center on Transnational Crime, National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Customs, National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice, Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources are among the support agencies which shall provide manpower, equipment and material in support to the mandates of the NCWC.