The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) proudly inaugurated its newly upgraded Coast Guard Station Kalayaan on Pag-asa Island on Friday, December 1.
The three-story building is equipped with advanced maritime domain awareness technology, including radar, automatic identification, satellite communication, coastal cameras, and vessel traffic management.
PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan, said that these state-of-the-art systems will greatly enhance the PCG’s capability to monitor foreign maritime forces, public vessels, and aircraft.
The technology will also support international shipping by effectively monitoring distressed vessels and providing guidance to passing merchant vessels in the nearby waters.
National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año, in his speech, emphasized the multifaceted approach of China, emphasizing the importance of countering this strategy holistically across all sectors.
Secretary Año also commended the Philippine Coast Guard for their dedication to patrolling the waters, emphasizing their role in national security.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by key figures, including Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea Andres Centino, DOTr Undersecretary for Maritime Elmer Sarmiento, DOE Undersecretary Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, AFP Western Commander Vice Admiral Abeth Carlos, and other members of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTFWPS).
It can be recalled that the Coast Guard Station Kalayaan Island Group faced significant damage from Super Typhoon Odette in December 2021, with only the Philippine flag standing after the devastation.
The PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) promptly provided construction materials, ensuring the continuity of public service to Pag-asa Island residents while efforts were made to rebuild the station.
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