The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recognizes partners from the public and private sectors that supported the relief supplies transport mission of the BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) and BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403) today, 24 February 2021.

Said initiative is intended to aid the recovery of the affected families of Typhoon #AuringPH last week.

Per directive of Department of Transport (DOTr) Secretary, Arthur P. Tugade, PCG Commandant, Admiral George V Ursabia Jr mobilized Coast Guard personnel and assets prior the landfall of Typhoon #AuringPH to ensure humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations will be conducted as soon as the weather permits.

“We are blessed as we are not only supported by the DOTr, but also by other government agencies and private organizations. We will not be able to launch this mission if not of their swift response and full trust to the Coast Guard. Maraming salamat po,” Admiral Ursabia said during the departure of the BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) and BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403) from Pier 15, Port Area, Manila this morning, 24 February 2021.

Aside from partner government agencies, Admiral Ursabia also acknowledged the consistent support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) – Philippines that supplied 300 pieces of shelter tarpaulins, as well as private humanitarian partners, including the GMA Kapuso Foundation Inc. that donated more than 200 food packs; Second Chances PH that provided 50 sacks of rice and boxes of canned goods; as well as the Little Swallow Inc. that prepared 300 packs of food and hygiene supplies for our ‘kababayans’ in Surigao.

Meanwhile, Commander of Coast Guard Logistics Systems Command (CGLSC), Rear Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan said that aside from the BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) and BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403), the PCG will also utilized two aerial assets and seven boom trucks to ensure the swift and safe transport of relief supplies to typhoon-stricken communities in the Caraga region.

Rear Admiral Gavan also shared that CGLSC personnel are preparing for more transport missions to support the relief operations of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and non-government organizations in the coming days.

During his visit in Tandag, Surigao del Sur yesterday, 23 February 2021, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte lauded the collective approach of the government and the private sector in conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts, leading to the safety of thousands of affected families who are now recovering from the impact of the recent natural calamity.