THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday inaugurated its newly constructed maintenance and repair group workshop facility at the Headquarters Maritime Safety Services Command (MSSC) Cavite Buoy Base in Sangley Point, Cavite City.
According to MSSC, the new facility will enhance the units’ capabilities in terms of ships and small boat repair and maintenance in order to deliver the best services of PCG floating assets to the country.
“It has been my privilege to join you all today and look forward to many upcoming opportunities to recognize our amazing journey together. You truly are friends, partners, allies and family. Thank you very much,” said Robert Ewing, deputy chief of mission of the U.S. Embassy in Manila.
“The most important outcome of this facility is more persistent and reliable vessel operations out at sea, countering illegal fishing, strengthening maritime domain awareness, and addressing unlawful activities from aggressive foreign actors,” he added.
PCG deputy commandant for administration, Vice Admiral Allan Victor Dela Vega, expressed appreciation to the US Embassy's’ Office Of International Narcotics And Law Enforcement Affairs and the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG)-Philippines in partnership with the U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering Command for donating the facility.
“This invaluable contribution is a significant milestone in our partnership, and will undoubtedly enhance our capabilities in ship and small boat repair and maintenance," Dela Vega said.
‘’We assure you that we will make full use of this workshop facility and employ the highest standards of maintenance practices to ensure the continued reliability and readiness of our ships and small boats," he added.
MSSC commander, Vice Admiral Joseph Coyme, and CG fleet commander Rear Admiral Edgar Ybañez were also present at the event.