PCG must map assets to boost emergency response ops – Zubiri

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) must start mapping its programs and assets to boost emergency response operations, especially in relation to tourism, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri said Thursday.

Zubiri made the pronouncement as the country moves to advance the ratification and implementation of the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, or the SAR convention.

READ: 2 tourists rescued in Quezon and Batangas maritime incidents

“Given this agreement and the obligations attached to it, I believe you should now prepare your programs and plans—not only at the regional level, but also by organizing your assets, such as air and sea vessel, to ensure a rapid response,” said Zubiri during a Senate foreign relations panel hearing.

According to the senator, having the PCG map its programs will be pivotal due to agency’s current lack of air assets.

“Tourism is the lowest-lying fruit of this country in terms of income, but the Philippines seems to have a reputation that it’s not a safe place to visit—not in peace and order, but in all other things,” he observed.

“Hospitals are far away. There are no air taxis or air ambulances,” Zubiri identified.

“Perhaps once we ratify this, providing these services should become one of our obligations, not just for Filipinos, but for tourists as well,” he added.

Zubiri also cited Senate Bill No. 2971, or the “Sandy’s Bill” and Child Tourist Safety Act, saying that, alongside the measure, basic first-aid awareness and an action plan will become mandatory in tourism facilities.

PCG incumbent commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gaval, for his part, said the ratification of the SAR will bring more cruise ships in the country, thereby increasing the demand for search and rescue services.

“We shall develop better SAR capabilities, because of the positive consequence of this,” said Gaval.

He also said that tourism emergency response is included in the PCG’s Maritime Rescue Coordinating Center Concept, which serves as the coordinating hub for rescue efforts. /apl