Coast Guard gets P246M for lighthouse upgrades

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/Niño Jesus Orbeta

MANILA, Philippines—Lighthouses across the country are set to be upgraded under a P246-million project to be implemented by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) said.

The project that is set to undergo bidding will purchase 55 primary light-emitting diode (LED) lamps that can be seen at least 18 nautical miles out at sea, 84 secondary LED lanterns visible at least 15 nautical miles, and five tertiary LED lanterns visible up to seven nautical miles.

To provide electricity to the lighthouses, 120 units of solar panels will also be bid out, the DOTC said in a  statement.

“Upgraded lighthouses are important aids to navigation because these work ‘as visual guides to ports and harbors especially for boats of fisher folks and even for larger types of vessels already equipped with global positioning system,” the DOTC said.

The new equipment will go to the provinces of Batanes, Aurora, Cagayan, Isabela, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, La Union, Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, Quezon, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Romblon, Palawan, Catanduanes, Albay, Masbate, and Sorsogon in Luzon.

In Visayas, Antique, Bohol, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, Cebu, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Western Samar, Northern Leyte, and Southern Leyte provinces will receive the lighthouse equipment.

Meanwhile in Mindanao, Pagadian City, Tawi Tawi, Zamboanga Del Sur, Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Zamboanga del Norte, Catarman, Samal, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Saranggani, Davao, and South Cotabato, will get the upgrades.

“Lighthouses are helpful reminder of dangerous waters. In the event that an electronic navigation system fails, a lighthouse can save lives by alerting seafarers and fisher folks of rocks, shoals, and other dangers,” the DOTC said.

The PCG is also looking to set another bidding process for the construction and rehabilitation of 194 lighthouses, it said.