A simulation exercise to boost emergency response was conducted at the Banago seaport in Bacolod City Wednesday, October 19.*PCG photo
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Western Visayas conducted simulation exercises at the Banago seaport in Bacolod City Wednesday, October 19, to ensure the preparedness of various stakeholders in case of sea emergencies and oil spills.
The scenario in the exercise showed a collision of two vessels that resulted to casualties and oil spill.
Personnel of the Coast Guard immediately responded to the scene, conducting search and rescue operations, as well as containment of the oil spill.
The exercise was observed by Commodore Edgar Ybañez, commander of PCG District Western Visayas.
He commended the PCG personnel for their readiness to respond to any eventuality. “We need also to prepare the Negros province for this kind of incident,” he added.
Ybañez said the simulation exercise is a chance for inter-operability of every stakeholder and government agency so that in actual situations, they know what to do, and how to respond.
He also said that the exercises enable them to execute their training and practices, and evaluate their readiness and action to every distress.
“We don’t want any eventualities, but it’s always good to be always prepared,” he said.*