Article by:
Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) distributed food and water to around 160 marginalized fisherfolk in Mariveles, Bataan on Thursday, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to distribute essential supplies during maritime patrols.
In an interview on Radyo Pilipinas on Friday, PCG Spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the aid was distributed by BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406), with each fishing boat provided with rice, bread, ready-to-eat food, and drinking water.
The operation was in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the PCG Auxiliary 110th Squadron, and is part of the PCG’s Intensified Community Assistance Awareness Response and Enforcement Program (iCARE).
“May malawak tayong layunin na mabigyan ng agarang tulong ang ating mga mangingisda at palakasin ang kanilang resiliency — particular sa coastal communities na ito (We are tasked with providing timely assistance to our fisherfolk and strengthening their resiliency —particularly in these coastal communities),” Cayabyab said.
The distribution of aid was also meant to ease the effects of the rising cost of fuel to fisherfolk amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Ports ready for Holy Week
On the other hand, Cayabyab said all PCG offices across the country will go on heightened alert beginning March 28 until April 5 as part of government-wide efforts to secure the country’s public transportation sector during the upcoming Holy Week and summer vacation.
“We will be deploying 17,000 PCG personnel nationwide para masigurado ang pagkakagawa ng safety and security measures (to ensure the proper implementation of safety and security measures),” she said.
Cayabyab reminded port passengers to book their tickets early to avoid any inconvenience during their planned day of travel and to leave prohibited items at home, such as flammable and explosive products.
She also warned the public against engaging in water activities while under the influence of alcohol and to keep an eye on their children.
“Last year, ang pinakamalaking numero na naitala natin pagdating sa maritime incidents [during Holy Week] ay drowning (the highest number of maritime incidents we logged during the Holy Week were drownings),” she added. (PNA)
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