PCG, PPA set to systematize ports, waterways inter-service operability

For more efficient performance of their maritime security, maritime safety, and marine environmental protection duties, the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Ports Authority are now focused on institutionalizing their inter-service operability.

In a statement on Saturday, PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago emphasized "the need for both government agencies to further complement each other."

Based on the plan, interoperability will be done through the conduct of knowledge sharing, cross training, and fellowship programs.

Santiago said that both government agencies should "further complement each other in the performance of their maritime security, maritime safety, and marine environmental protection functions in various port areas and waterways across the country."

“I want to take this opportunity to request for the Coast Guard’s assistance in ensuring that our port police officers are equipped with knowledge and skills to uphold safe and uninterrupted port operations through the enforcement of local and international maritime regulations. I believe the Philippine Coast Guard is the best partner agency for such undertaking,” Santiago said.

For his part, PCG Commandant Admiral George Ursabia Jr. expressed his support to PPA’s proposal, “not only to improve port management operations, but more importantly, to harness camaraderie among men and women of the PCG and the PPA.”

“Bringing our men and women together will definitely promote cohesiveness in the performance of our day-by-day functions, while enhancing rapport and friendship between the forces. I fully support this proposal and rest assured that your Coast Guard will be cooperative in planning and implementing these initiatives,” Ursabia said.

Santiago has pledged to allocate necessary funds for the conduct of knowledge sharing, cross training, and fellowship programs, while Admiral Ursabia has committed to provide technical expertise, manpower, and other resource support to ensure that the men and women of the PCG and the PPA work harmoniously in enforcing laws to uphold maritime security, maritime safety, and marine environmental protection.

The PCG and the PPA have agreed on the joint establishment of a K9 institute in Clark, Pampanga to increase the number of their active working dogs to at least 1,000 units for deployment in all sea, land, and air transport facilities in the country, as well as the inclusion of Coast Guard station facilities inside port zones for any port development project.

Santiago and Ursabia’s discussion concluded with the consensus to form a technical working group that will draft a memorandum of agreement ( MOA ) to institutionalize the enhancement of inter-service operability between the PCG and the PPA. —LBG, GMA News