MANILA — An official of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Thursday President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s goal to have 36,000 PCG personnel is possible within three years or before the chief executive steps down from office.
“‘Yung target nating (Our target of) 36,000, hopefully by three years we can achieve that,” PCG Commandant Adm. Elson Hermogino said in an interview during the 118th PCG anniversary at the PCG headquarters in Port Area, Manila.
He said training allocation is 2,000 trainees per year, hoping the number would be doubled once they find a bigger training facility in Fort Magsaysay.
“When we are able to find a bigger facility, which we are looking doon sa (for in) Fort Magsaysay… we will be able to train 4,000 every year,” Hermogino said.
In his keynote speech during the event, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said PCG personnel are now around 13,000, a far cry from the estimated 5,000 personnel in the beginning of Duterte’s term.
“When we started our term in this government there were only 5,000 to 6,000 men and women of the PCG. As we speak, I understand that we have already a population of 12,000 to 13,000–in fact, close to 14,000 as of today,” Tugade said.
He said the government wants more “dedicated and committed” people to join the PCG which they hope would reach 36,000 before the end of Duterte’s term.
Tugade added he has been assured by both Hermogino and PCG Vice Adm. Joel Garcia that the 36,000 personnel goal is achievable.
“Nasabi po sakin ni Adm. (Hermogino) and VAdm. (Joel Garcia), kaya hong gampanan at tuparin yang mandato ng ating Pangulo na tayo ay maging isang lupon ng 36,000 (I was told by Adm. Hermogino and VAdm. Joel, it’s possible to achieve and fulfill the mandate of our President for us to become a group of 36,000),” Tugade said.
Aside from the increase in PCG personnel, other efforts of the government in enhancing the capabilities of the PCG include modernization of equipment such as the recent procurement of several small and large boats as well as land and airborne assets.