Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commissioned officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees can now avail of ‘free train rides’ at all LRT-2 stations from Antipolo, Rizal to Recto Avenue, Manila upon presentation of their government-issued identification cards.

This came after the PCG partnered with the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) to uphold public transport safety and security in the National Capital Region (NCR).

According to PCG Spokesperson, CG Commodore Armando A Balilo, PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Leopoldo V Laroya, and LRTA Administrator Jeremy S Regino presided over the signing ceremony of the memorandum of agreement ( MOA ) that formalized PCG and LRTA’s mutual support and cooperation to best deliver to the public their respective mandates.

The initiative, which occurred on 07 February 2022, was spearheaded by Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Human Resource Management (CG-1), CG Commodore Vivien Jane E Cay.

Under the said MOA, PCG shall reinforce security measures at LRT-2 stations by providing security teams to assist the LRTA in performing emergency drills for train employees, security personnel, and commuters.

PCG K9 dogs and handlers shall also be dispatched to assist train security guards in patrolling and conducting security measures at LRT-2 stations during emergencies or crises.

Moreover, the PCG shall deploy the Coast Guard Medical Service to conduct RT-PCR tests on LRTA employees, maintenance, and utility personnel to uphold their health and safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The PCG may also avail the in-train passenger information system to inform commuters about the plans, programs, and projects of the organization.

Meanwhile, LRTA officials shall take oath as members of the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) Executive Squadron where they shall commit to supporting the PCG on its humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.

CG Commodore Balilo added that the PCG and LRTA agreed that the said MOA shall take effect for three years unless revoked upon mutual written consent.

PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Laroya thanked Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade for supporting the partnership between the PCG and LRTA that intends to recognize the efforts of PCG personnel, as well as to strengthen public transport safety and security in Metro Manila.

During the onslaught of Typhoon Ondoy in 2009, the PCG utilized LRT-2 trains to transport rescue teams and rubber boats to flooded areas in the NCR as major roads were impassable due to high floodwaters.

[Photos by CG PO2 Dandy V Quiacos, CG PO3 Ajon Flores, CG SN2 Benjohn Nehru Deniña, CG ASN Yasser Satallal, CG ASN Kevin Alex Pantaliano, and CG ASN Enricco Jan Esguerra of the Coast Guard Public Affairs]