LAOAG CITY: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is strengthening its presence in this northern gateway through a new regional training center and substation that will be established in the coastal village of Barangay 32-B La Paz West.
Through a deed of usufruct, the city government represented by Mayor Michael Marcos Keon has granted the use of a public lot containing around 2.5 hectares for the construction of the new PCG center.
The usufruct agreement will be valid for 25 years and is renewable. Following the signing of the usufruct agreement, Keon said Wednesday that the “setting up of a Coast Guard base in the city aims to speed up the delivery of maritime law enforcement and security services, particularly in search and rescue operations.”
In Ilocos Norte, the main station of the PCG is located in Currimao town in the second district of the province with substations in the towns of Pasuquin and in Pagudpud. Soon, this capital city will have its own PCG base station.
According to PCG District Northwestern Luzon commander Philipps Soria, the new training center aims to produce more competitive coast guardians who will uphold the PCG functions in the city and province.
“The PCG’s presence in the area will play a vital role in promoting Maritime safety and maritime security, and boosting the tourism industry,” he added.
Source: Philippines News Agency
