PCG must catalog assets to strengthen emergency response capacity

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri urged the Philippine Coast Guard on Thursday to undertake a comprehensive inventory of its operational assets and programs to bolster emergency response capacity across the archipelago.

Zubiri emphasized the strategic importance of asset mapping, particularly in safeguarding the country's tourism sector and ensuring rapid response to maritime emergencies. The senator's statement underscores growing concerns about the PCG's readiness to handle incidents in Philippine waters amid increasing maritime traffic and tourism activities.

The call aligns with the government's push to advance ratification and implementation of the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, a key international maritime safety framework. By cataloging existing resources and identifying capability gaps, the PCG can better allocate its limited assets and coordinate more effectively with other agencies during emergencies.

Official data on the PCG's current asset inventory and response times was not immediately available. The senator's proposal suggests a need for greater operational transparency and planning within the agency to meet international standards and domestic maritime security needs.