By Kristine Mae Casampol

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Task Force Kalinga, led by CG Rear Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan, expresses his sincere gratitude to private shipping companies 2GO and PHIL SPAN ASIA for volunteering their vessels to support the PCG's relief transport mission in Visayas and Mindanao for the rehabilitation of Typhoon #OdettePH victims. 

The PCG has entered into a tripartite agreement with PCGA and Phil Span Asia for the conduct of the stated initiative, thanks to the proactive help of PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) National Director, Auxiliary Vice Admiral Manuel Luis P Idquival. The PCG and 2GO, on the other hand, have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to help typhoon-affected communities quickly recover.

The pursuit, according to PCG Commandant CG Admiral Leopoldo V Laroya, is designed to boost the PCG's transport capacity in the supply chain, ensuring that in-kind donations are delivered safely and quickly to the most affected areas.

“We have been working with 2GO since the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic when they offered their vessels as quarantine ships for our repatriated overseas Filipino workers.  Since then, they never fail to extend any assistance available to support us in the performance of our humanitarian and disaster response operations,” CG Admiral Laroya said.

“The same is true for the Phil Span Asia that we are able to work with through the assistance of our ever-reliable PCGA volunteers. We will forever be grateful for their willingness to partner with the PCG to serve those who are in need,” the PCG Commandant furthered. 

PCG personnel loaded 167 tons of relief goods on board 2GO's MV Masagana at Pier 4, Port Area, Manila, yesterday, Dec. 30, 2021, to enhance the supplies of the Cebu LGU. At 9:30 p.m., the mentioned commercial vessel departed. Cebuanos will be able to receive additional in-kind donations during the first few days of January 2022.

The Philippine Span Asia's vessels, on the other hand, are expected to help the Coast Guard next week.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade expressed his gratitude to PCG employees who volunteered to spend the holiday season serving Filipinos. He also praised 2GO and Phil Span Asia for allowing the national government to better serve the affected families during their rehabilitation period by leveraging their assets and resources.

“Hindi po ako magsasawang sumaludo at magpasalamat sa magigiting na Coast Guard personnel sa kanilang pagsasakripisyo para sa sambayanan – kahit sa araw ng pasko o bagong taon. At sa ating mga kasangga sa pribadong sector, ang 2GO at Phil Span Asia, kinikilala ko ang inyong kontribusyon sa ating operasyon. Maraming salamat sa inyong pagsusumikap para makatulong sa pagbangon ng ating mga kababayan,” Secretary Tugade expressed.

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