The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) warmly welcomed representatives of the Australian Embassy at the PCG National Headquarters, Port Area, Manila today, 15 January 2021.

In a meeting, Deputy Chief of Mission, Richard Sisson said the Australian Embassy intends to support the PCG by providing capacity building programs for the men and women of the Coast Guard. This is geared towards the enhanced performance of their mandated functions, specifically on maritime law enforcement and marine environmental protection.

For his part, Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Operations, Captain Ferdinan Picar expressed his appreciation of the generous offer, noting that said pursuit will be of great help to the PCG that remains at the frontline amid the COVID-19 pandemic, while working towards modernization through the acquisition of relevant assets, recruitment of skilled manpower, enhancement of command and control systems, and other similar plans and programs.

Also part of the meeting were Political Counselor James Yeomans, Department of Home Affairs Counsellor Jane Honner, and Political Second SSecretary Jarrah Tippet-Moore of the Australian Embassy; as well as Assistant Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for International Affairs, Commander Clariza Dominguez and Officer-in-Charge for International Cooperation Desk for ASEAN Affairs, Lieutenant Junior Grade Chermalyn Musa of the PCG.