PCG, Auxiliary told: Work hand in hand

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista reminded the 24,000-strong enlisted Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary to work hand in hand with its mother unit, PCG, in protecting the country's maritime interests apart from bringing services closer to Filipinos during calamities.

On Saturday during the donning and oathtaking of the newly-appointed PCGA Executive Squadron, the Transportation secretary expressed the Department of Transportation and PCGA Executive Squadron's readiness to assist the PCG in providing assistance, while expanding its relationship.

"This is why we are here — we will work together, being the Secretary of the DOTr and the PCGA — being an attached agency, we'll see to it that we will work closely with PCGA, and expand our relationship," according to Bautista.

Likewise, he highlighted the PCG and PCGA's close collaboration in bringing services to Filipinos, especially during disasters such as typhoons, and volcanic eruptions, among others.

"I know that there will be calamities that will be coming — typhoons, earthquakes — and with our collaboration and proper communication, we should be able to help those people that deserve the assistance from all of us," he said.

Bautista also assured that the auxiliary will enlist more members to further protect and secure our marine resources, protect the environment, and help more Filipinos.

Taking oath as new PCGA Executive members were Secretary Bautista as PCGA Squadron Vice Admiral, DoTr undersecretary for Maritime Elmer Sarmiento as PCGA Squadron Commodore, DoTr undersecretary for Administration and Finance Kim Robert de Leon as PCGA Squadron Commodore, and DoTr Communications and Commuter Affairs Office chief Ana Dominique Consulta as Auxiliary Commander.

The PCGA Squadron is a voluntary uniformed non-government organization, formed with a military structure and attached to the PCG, mandated to assist and work together with the PCG on Port State control inspection, maritime pollution along the rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, International/Coastal Ships marine safety inspections.