BALAGTAS, Bulacan — US Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson was assisted by Vice Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Deputy Commandant for Administration in the turn-over ceremony of the Specialized Education and Technical Building to the Philippine Coast Guard in this town yesterday (September 11).

After the ribbon cutting, the US ambassador together with Gavan inspected the building and facility

and afterwards the ceremonial key to the building was handed by Carlson to the PCG deputy commandant for administration.

The construction of the P250-million two-storey building at the PCG Field Training Center of Excellence in Barangay Santol in Balagtas town is part of the U.S. government’s commitment to assist the PCG in enhancing its capabilities in addressing maritime challenges.

Carlson said that they have a long time commitment to the Philippines citing that the latter is their partner in prosperity and an ally and that they have a mutual defense treaty.

She pointed out that they have a long-term commitment that is not a turn key operations citing that they have international Narcotics and Law Program, US Embassy Program and US Coast Guard program with the Philippines in conjuncture with the said facilities.

On the other hand, Gavan said the facility will be used to professionalize the Coast Guard officers and men.

He said they needed the facility because the PCG fleet is growing and that they needed trained men to man their ships.

Gavan said this is the first facility of the PCG that will teach their personnel navigation, enforcement and maintenance of their ships.

He explained the idea started in 2012 when they worked on the expansion of their fleet and saw at that time that they might grow by threefolds, but at that time they have no capabilities to train their personnel.

The facility was established in a land-licked area in Bulacan, however, he pointed out that the facility there are classroom simulators and laboratories for engine rooms making the facility complete except for the physical water.

He added that they need the expertise of the US Coast Guard because it is the world’s most matured Coast Guard that can provide that needed knowledge in operations, maintenance of ships and enforcement operations.

Photo: Mon Lazaro