Our tour became more interesting because of our visit to the Headquarters of the Philippine Coast Guard. We were educated to their functions especially their participation in environmental protection.

 

      The coast guard beyond the society’s general knowledge of them safeguarding our coastal territories are also the concierge and janitor of the shores. They are the ones who manage the waste system particularly the disposals of every vessel passing through our portals. It is indeed inevitable for a certain boat not to dispose anything to the sea, it is the job therefore of the coat guards to monitor and minimize the waste being deposited in the oceans. It is them who see to it that every craft abide by the existing rules and regulations of our country with regards to environmental protection. They on the same hand are the responsible body handling those who violate these protocols.

 

     The Philippine Coast Guard, just like the AFP, is on its way to modernization to further improve its function. They are on the verge of expanding their territories and procuring more vessels that will be useful for their program. They are also handling trainings both local and foreign to all citizens concern to impart knowledge on how to protect and maintain our coastlines.

 

     After the lecture, a question and answer forum was conducted, thus enlightening the cadets on the roles of the coast guards particularly on the protection of the environment. The cadets were enthusiastic on the topic that made the men of the coast guard also engage more on the discussion.

A brief tour on the BRP San Juan (SARV-001) was then made after the briefing. The cadets were able to roam around this vessel that the coast guard is using in the conduct of their operations and plans. This made it clearer especially on the parts of the cadets the importance of the coast guard in environmental protection. It only proved that the coast guard’s duties and responsibilities are beyond the naked eyes of the ignorant.