The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) conducted a ribbon-cutting and groundbreaking ceremonies for its U.S.-funded technical training center, valued at $5.5 million, in Balagtas, Bulacan on yesterday, 19 January 2021.

The event highlighted the completion and turnover of the training center's student barracks as well as the beginning of the construction of the main classroom and the hands-on laboratory training facility.

The establishment of the Balagtas training center will expand the PCG's capability to field a workforce adept at maintaining large patrol vessels up to 94 meters in length to improve the security of Philippine waters.

United States Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim (CDA a.i.) Ms. Heather Variava, PCG Deputy Commandant for Operations, CG Vice Admiral Eduardo D Fabricante, and Coast Guard Fleet Commander, CG Rear Admiral Allan Victor T Dela Vega graced the ceremonies.

[Courtesy of U.S. Embassy in the Philippines]