Philippine Coast Guard. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — A P250 million worth of newly constructed training facility was received by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) from the United States (US) government on Monday.
The building at PCG’s Fleet Training Center in Balagtas, Bulacan, not only boosts the coastguard’s capability but also represents its resilience and determination for a more promising future.
The agency said the donated two-story building covers 3,900 square meters, including classrooms, laboratories, equipment rooms, dining facilities, offices, workstations, a galley, and a technical library.
PCG Vice Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan stated during the turnover ceremony that the facility will be utilized to educate and develop the skill set of Coast Guard personnel.
“The building serves as an important instrument for the enhancement of the capabilities of our sailors, which will fortify the PCG’s mandate,” he said.
“Let this building remind us that from adversity, we can build strength; from tragedy, we can find hope; and from a shared vision, we can create a brighter future,” Gavan added.
The structure will cater to the training needs of the Fleet Education Training Development Doctrine Institute students taking different shipboard careers and courses.
Meanwhile, in her speech, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson called the donation a tool to advance PCG’s preservation of maritime safety and defense of Philippine sovereign rights.
The building is a part of the US government’s commitment to assist the PCG in improving its capabilities and solving maritime challenges, said PCG.