The Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) disaster response nationwide has been boosted with the addition of rescue and connectivity assets, an official said on Wednesday.

This after the PCG received the M/V Amazing Grace from the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), two Barracuda rigid-hulled inflatable boats from Grab Philippines, and 100 units of Starlink kits from SpaceX at the South Harbor in Manila on Tuesday.

First Lady and PCG Auxiliary Vice Admiral Liza Araneta Marcos, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, PCG Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan, and PRC Chairman Dick Gordon led the turnover rites.

In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview, PCG spokesperson Commodore Algier Ricafrente said the additional maritime assets would be particularly useful during disasters such as typhoons that leave islands and remote coastal communities cut off from necessary aid.

“Itong barko na ito ay maaari natin gamitin para dalhin ang serbisyo ng atin pamahalaan sa ating mga kababayan na maaaring maapektuhan ng mga kalamidad (This ship can be used to bring government services to our people that are affected by calamities),” Ricafrente said.

To date, he said the PCG’s modernization efforts continue, with more personnel being trained to operate ships and other equipment.

“Meron po tayong inaasahan na kagamitan. Hindi man ngayong taon dadating pero patuloy po ang pagsasagawa natin ng training sa ating personnel na maaring mag-deploy o mag-man ng mga kagamitang ito (We’re expecting more equipment. They might not arrive this year but we’re continuously training our personnel who are likely to man or deploy these equipment),” he said.

M/V Amazing Grace was commissioned by the PRC as the country’s first humanitarian vessel built to provide emergency relief, medical assistance, and disaster response in the country.

On the other hand, the Starlink kits will provide the PCG with high-speed network connectivity even in remote maritime regions to carry out missions, improve coordination during search-and-rescue operations, and enhance maritime safety activities.

Meanwhile, the two Barracuda boats will be used in coastal patrols, search-and-rescue, maritime law enforcement, and maritime environmental protection. (PNA)