Manila: The Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) disaster response nationwide has been boosted with the addition of rescue and connectivity assets, an official said on Wednesday. This enhancement follows the PCG's receipt of the M/V Amazing Grace from the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), two Barracuda rigid-hulled inflatable boats from Grab Philippines, and 100 units of Starlink kits from SpaceX at the South Harbor in Manila on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, First Lady and PCG Auxiliary Vice Admiral Liza Araneta Marcos, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, PCG Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan, and PRC Chairman Dick Gordon led the turnover rites. In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview, PCG spokesperson Commodore Algier Ricafrente stated that the additional maritime assets would be especially useful during disasters such as typhoons that isolate islands and remote coastal communities from necessary aid.

Ricafrente emphasized the significance of the M/V Amazing Grace, saying, "This ship can be used to bring government services to our people that are affected by calamities." He also noted that the PCG's modernization efforts are ongoing, with more personnel being trained to operate ships and other equipment. "We're expecting more equipment. They might not arrive this year but we're continuously training our personnel who are likely to man or deploy these equipment," Ricafrente added.

The M/V Amazing Grace was commissioned by the PRC as the country's first humanitarian vessel designed to provide emergency relief, medical assistance, and disaster response. Meanwhile, the Starlink kits will offer the PCG high-speed network connectivity in remote maritime regions, facilitating missions, improving coordination during search-and-rescue operations, and enhancing maritime safety activities. The two Barracuda boats will be employed in coastal patrols, search-and-rescue, maritime law enforcement, and maritime environmental protection.