The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has secured agreements with two municipalities in Negros Oriental for the establishment of new sub-stations.
Lt. Abigail Marionne Enopia, Coast Guard-Negros Oriental Station commander, said on Friday, August 22, that the municipality of Vallehermoso already signed a 25-year memorandum of agreement (MOA) while it was a 20-year agreement with Manjuyod town.
“After so many years of continued efforts to seek the support of the local government units (LGUs) in Negros Oriental, we finally got a breakthrough and we hope that other towns and cities will follow suit,” Enopia said.
She said that under the law, coastal municipalities and cities are mandated to host a Coast Guard sub-station to improve response time and enforce maritime laws against illegal fishing and other unlawful activities.
At present, the Coast Guard maintains sub-stations in Bayawan City, Siaton, Zamboanguita, Bacong, Dumaguete City, Sibulan, Amlan, Bais City, Ayungon, Tayasan, and Guihulngan City.
Of the province’s 25 LGUs, only four (Valencia, Pamplona, Mabinay, and Canlaon City) are not coastal.
In Vallehermoso, the LGU allocated a structure and lot for the PCG’s use.
Manjuyod in Barangay Campuyo granted a 30-square-meter lot and offered to shoulder the utilities.
Manjuyod is known for whale and dolphin watching tours in Tañon Strait. It is also home to the famous white sandbar, making maritime safety and environmental protection top priorities, Enopia said.
Meanwhile, Enopia said the PCG is also working on setting up a sub-station in Sta. Catalina, after the Manalongon village chief allowed the use of a lot there last year.
She expressed hope that the LGUs of La Libertad, Jimalalud, San Jose, Dauin and Basay will also extend support by providing space for similar facilities.*PNA
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