Rainy season means more rescue boats for PCG
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has acquired additional rescue boats, watercrafts, vehicles and other equipment in preparation for the expected threats of typhoons that may likely hit the country this year. PCG Commandant Adm. Elson Hermogino on Thursday led the inspection and blessing of the additional 20 aluminum boats worth P16 million and another 20 personal watercrafts worth P15.5 million at the PCG headquarters in Manila. Hermogino said the new rescue assets to be manned by Coast Guard Special Operations Force would be used for the rainy season to beef up its capacity in conducting maritime search and rescue, maritime security and coastal patrol. These assets would be strategically deployed in all PCG districts nationwide, he added. —TINA G. SANTOS
Bids for repair of BRP Tarlac now open
The Philippine Navy has opened bids for the P145.4-million repair of landing platform dock BRP Tarlac. BRP Tarlac (LD 601) will undergo dry-docking, where submerged parts of the vessel will be inspected, repaired and cleaned. The Navy bids and awards committee said that winning bidders would be required to complete dry-docking and other repairs in 120 days or approximately four months. The issuance of bidding documents for the P145.43-million project began on May 16 and will end on June 6. —JEANNETTE I. ANDRADE
Today is World No Tobacco Day
In observance of World No Tobacco Day, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III urged smokers anew to quit the habit. “I know it can be hard to quit smoking, but the first step is to make the decision to start,” Duque said on his Twitter account. “31 May is #WorldNoTobaccoDay. But I pledge to make everyday #NoTobacco Day,” he added. The health chief said quitting smoking would help individuals avoid smoking-related illnesses. “I dream of a world free of smoke [with] no man or woman suffering from the ill effects of smoking, Duque said. Those interested to quit smoking may call the Department of Health Quitline: 165364.—TINA G. SANTOS