Remember in June when the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) beefed up its emergency response capabilities by adding a few Toyota Hilux pickup trucks? Yeah, the PCG isn’t done just yet.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the country’s main maritime law-enforcement body have just announced that it has added five brand-new Hyundai Starex units, which will serve as ambulances, to the PCG fleet. A total of 90 more Hilux units have also been turned over.
“I am happy to witness developments that are significant, especially those with the mandate that intersects the Department of National Defense (DND),” agency secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement.
“As stewards of these assets, let us utilize these properly in service to the Filipinos. Take care of these assets to safeguard the lives of our people,” Lorenzana added.
PCG Commandant Admiral Elson Hermogino, who led the turnover ceremony of the newly acquired vehicles, said the maritime agency should be alert during this time of year and thanked the government for its continued support: “It is the time of the year that the services of the PCG are significantly high. It is our primordial duty to always be ready to respond to calamities, distress calls, and save lives.”
Of course, this being the PCG, boats were included in the turnover, namely, 12 units of rigid hull inflatable boats and 73 rubber boats with outboard motors. What other types of vehicles do you think the PCG should acquire?
