Bayanihan Media Awards National Winner

Sto. Tomas LGU turns over ₱1.5-M facility to Philippine Coast Guard 

STO. TOMAS, Pampanga -The local government unit of Sto. Tomas town has turned over a ₱1.5-million, 2-storey facility to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to enhance disaster response and environmental protection, particularly in the river system in Pampanga’s coastal areas.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan has commended the LGU, led by Mayor John Sambo, for the donation of the facility located near the community landing fish port in Brgy. Poblacion in Sto. Tomas.

Commandant Gavan said this is in line with their thrust for maritime emergency response during calamities.

During the official turnover ceremony of the PCG Sto. Tomas Station, Commodore Arnaldo M. Lim, PCG Acting Commander for the Coast Guard District National Capital Region – Central Luzon, also lauded Mayor Sambo’s proactive initiative by donating the state-of-the-art facility for PCG’s use.  

Apart from the facility, the municipality is also donating a 5,000-square meter vacant lot to the PCG, which can potentially house additional facilities for PCG schooling and training. 

For his part, Commandant Gavan also expressed enthusiasm for Mayor Sambo’s vision of establishing a training center for incoming PCG staff and officers, as well as their existing coast guard personnel, geared to expanding PCG’s presence in Central Luzon.

“The Philippine Coast Guard thanks the LGU for this facility… This is a great boost to the morale of our personnel. Most of all, this shall greatly help us deliver our mandate of responding to the call of our fellow Filipinos in need, especially during times of crisis, calamities and disasters. Maraming salamat, Mayor John Sambo. Maraming salamat, Sto. Tomas,“ PCG Commandant Gavan said. 

According to Mayor Sambo, the 2-storey PCG building will serve as a multi-functional area, fostering collaboration between the PCG and the Sto. Tomas LGU in addressing maritime safety, disaster preparedness, and ecological preservation.

“Alam natin na ang bayan ng Sto Tomas ay isang flood-prone area. Kaya naman po lahat ay ating gagawin para masiguro na handa tayong makapagbigay ng tulong sa ating mga kababayan tuwing may kalamidad gaya ng baha at bagyo. This new Philippine Coast Guard facility brings our coast guard officers nearer to us, so that they can help us in terms of disaster awareness, preparedness and response. This [partnership] goes to show that when the national and local governments collaborate, great things will happen,” Mayor Sambo said.

Sambo also reaffirmed his commitment for the progress of Sto. Tomas. He underscored the vital role of the PCG, not only in disaster management but also in advancing research on the biodiversity and sustainability of the local aquaculture industry. He hopes that the visible presence of the PCG in Sto. Tomas will inspire the youth to consider a noble career in maritime service. 

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest