Coast Guard to build P30-M Boracay radar station

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

To ensure security coverage, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is constructing a P30-million radar station in Boracay Island.

photo Coast Guard 

The radar station in Mt. Luho in Barangay Balabag is critical in monitoring vessel movements and in preventing the possible entry of terrorist elements in the island and its vicinity.

PCG is expected to operate the Boracay radar station on June 2019.

Acting Malay town mayor Abram Sualog, Transportation assistant secretary Manuel Gonzales and PCG Deputy Commandant for Operations Rear Admiral Rolando Legaspi led the ground-breaking ceremony of the proposed radar station last week.

Aside from Boracay, PCG will also build 20 other radar stations in critical areas across Mindanao especially in Palawan, Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi (Zambasulta) and popular tourist spots in the region. These radar stations in Mindanao are locally funded by the government and the Japan government.

Meanwhile, about 215 trained lifeguards are ready for deployment to safeguard tourists and beachgoers in Boracay Island after they completed their course conducted by PCG.

The Basic Life Saving (BLS) Course for male and female recruits started last August in preparation for the Boracay re-opening.

The training course for personnel of hotels and resorts includes 40-hours of basic life support, first aid and water safety course as well as the proper handling of rescue equipments.

PCG targets to equip all resorts and hotels in the beachfront and with swimming pools in the island and water sports establishments with qualified lifeguards.

The lifeguards are tasked to maintain and establish safe swimming areas and to monitor rip currents and tides.

Last October 26, PCG reminded the lifeguards of their role as first responders in emergencies and the beaches of Boracay during the BLS course graduation rites at White House Resort in Station 1.

“We take this opportunity to train local residents to become lifeguards, and to improve their skills in saving lives,” Legaspi said.

During the rehabilitation, PCG also deployed its patrol vessels to protect and preserve marine environment of Boracay.

Boracay Island reopened to tourists on October 26 amid ongoing and massive rehabilitation efforts of government agencies and Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force.

The island which attracts more than 2 million visitors a year was shut down on April 26 to ensure sustainable tourism.