Coast Guard to host testimonial parade for GMA

MANILA, Philippines – As a sign of appreciation for the assistance extended to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the maritime agency would be hosting a testimonial parade in honor of outgoing President Arroyo tomorrow and would be giving her a replica of one of their search and rescue ships.

PCG commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo yesterday said they would be giving President Arroyo a one-and-a- half feet in length replica of one of their search and rescue ships, the BRP Pampanga.

The BRP Pampanga, which actually measures 56 meters, was one of the vessels acquired during the President’s term and has been used in several search and rescue missions, marine environment assignments, and disaster response operations.

During Mrs. Arroyo’s nine years in office, the agency increased its maritime capability.

Aside from the BRP Pampanga, it also gained two other 56-meter vessels and four units of 35-meter search and rescue ships.

But it was only recently when the proposal for the PCG to acquire seven helicopters passed the scrutiny of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Cabinet Committee level.

Tamayo had said in an earlier interview that it would be up to the new administration if it would pass the financing scheme of the Department of Finance (DOF) for the acquisition of the helicopters. There is also the need to hold biddings for the choppers.

At 10 a.m. tomorrow, the President is expected to arrive at the Eva Macapagal Super Terminal at Pier 15, South Harbor in Port Area, Manila to grace the testimonial parade and sea review that has been prepared by the PCG in her honor.

Acting DOTC Secretary Anneli Lontoc would be the one to introduce Mrs. Arroyo, who is the guest of honor.

Tamayo said they were particularly pleased with the enactment of Republic Act 9993 that establishes the PCG as an armed and uniformed service attached to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

It was during Mrs. Arroyo’s term when the PCG Law was finally enacted. The law equipped them with rules and regulations that intensified their capability to monitor and implement maritime safety regulations in the country.