Philippines, US launch new maritime training facility in Bulacan

Photo from US Embassy

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and United States on Monday launched a new maritime training facility in Balagtas, Bulacan.

The P39-million project, which was funded by the US government, is expected to boost the Philippine Coast Guard’s capacity to train its workforce and sustain its equipment.

“This project is a milestone in our effort to enhance PCG operations.  It is one of the important missions in addressing the training requirements of the organization. This endeavor has provided the foundation [for future training] while improving our personnel learning culture,” PCG commandant Admiral Elson Hermogino was quoted as saying.

The new facility consists of a classroom, barracks, and an outboard motor maintenance lab. It was built under a local contract managed by the US Naval Facilities Engineering Command.

Also present at the launch were U.S. Embassy in the Philippines deputy chief of mission John C. Law, deputy director of the Joint Interagency Task Force-West Earl Hampton; and Commodore Jose William U. Isaga, commander of PCG Weapons, Communications, Electronics and Information System Service. /kga