Philippine Coast Guard gears up for rainy season

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has started its preparations ahead of the upcoming rainy season.

PCG commandant Admiral Elson Hermogino has directed all district commanders to coordinate with local government units for the identification of flood prone areas to spread its resources properly in case of possible disasters.

The weather bureau earlier said that the onset of the rainy season will begin in two to three weeks.

On Thursday, PCG launched some of its newly acquired assets, like boats and jet skis, seen to be used for the rainy season.

It is the first time that PCG will have its own jet skis.

Hermogino said that while this is mainly for rescue operations in popular resorts during summer, jet skis will also be useful for rescue operations in flood prone areas this coming rainy season.

The 12 seven-meter rigid hull inflatable boats, meanwhile, will be used for patrols and counter-terrorism operations.

The new assets are part of the P1.6 billion capability upgrade program of the Coast Guard. (Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)