SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), jointly with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), its Auxiliary 102nd PCGA Squadron, and Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) locators formally opened the Subic Bay Fire/Search & Rescue/Marine Pollution Joint Exercise (MARPOLEX) 2009 at the Alava Wharf, former Ship Repair Facility here Tuesday.
Commodore Feliciano Salonga, Deputy National Director for Aid to Navigation, PCGA, said it is an exercise involving emergency response to maritime disasters, specifically to fire at sea, abandonship of crew and oil spill.
Salonga said, this exercise aims to test and evaluate the integrated response capabilities of the participating agencies during maritime disasters that may occur near or within the SBFZ; to enhance cooperation and capability in firefighting, rescue and oil spill containment and recovery operations; to train participants in planning, command and control, conduct of integrated operation; and to establish a firm and effective working relationship among the participants.
Admiral Tamayo who graced the event said Subic has long been recognized for its strategic location, being at the center of the fastest growing markets in Asia.
“It is at the hub of the region, and all major cities in Asia are within easy reach either by sea or by air. And with this, Subic seaport serves as a major alternative port for importers and exporters in the Northern and Central Luzon areas of the country and open for formidable challenges given that its piers and wharves are capable in servicing all kinds of sea vessels,” Tamayo said.
“Today, we have managed to open our borders and work side by side to address maritime challenges specifically during maritime disasters and oil spills that may occur near or within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone jurisdiction,” he added.
Tamayo called for improved coordination and unity of effort in addressing these challenges to help promote safety of life at sea and protect the marine environment.
“As our nation’s leading maritime safety agencies, our goal is to strive towards minimizing maritime incidents and dangers. Should the inevitable happen though, we can be sure that we have each other to depend upon in order to institute an effective and efficient fire/search and rescue/marine pollution operation,” Tamayo added.
The exercise also involved the deployment of seven SBMA and Auxiliary vessels namely: M/V Kalayaan, M/V Binictican, M/V Redondo, M/V Maritan, M/V Ilanin, M/V Triboa and M/V Cubi, including two Harbor Patrol Boats. SBMA likewise provided medical, fire, communication and oil spill on-shore protection teams for the purpose of the exercise.
Recognizing the role of the SBF locators during maritime disasters, the exercise also involved the participation of two tugboats of the Malayan Towage and Salvage Company and the oil spill on shore protection team of the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation.
During the exercise, we saw the preparedness and successful execution of the participants to achieve greater safety and protection of environment, Tamayo said.
“Awareness and preparedness are key factors in the achievement of these maritime goals,” Tamayo concluded.
Commodore Feliciano Salonga, Deputy National Director for Aid to Navigation, PCGA, said it is an exercise involving emergency response to maritime disasters, specifically to fire at sea, abandonship of crew and oil spill.
Salonga said, this exercise aims to test and evaluate the integrated response capabilities of the participating agencies during maritime disasters that may occur near or within the SBFZ; to enhance cooperation and capability in firefighting, rescue and oil spill containment and recovery operations; to train participants in planning, command and control, conduct of integrated operation; and to establish a firm and effective working relationship among the participants.
Admiral Tamayo who graced the event said Subic has long been recognized for its strategic location, being at the center of the fastest growing markets in Asia.
“It is at the hub of the region, and all major cities in Asia are within easy reach either by sea or by air. And with this, Subic seaport serves as a major alternative port for importers and exporters in the Northern and Central Luzon areas of the country and open for formidable challenges given that its piers and wharves are capable in servicing all kinds of sea vessels,” Tamayo said.
“Today, we have managed to open our borders and work side by side to address maritime challenges specifically during maritime disasters and oil spills that may occur near or within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone jurisdiction,” he added.
Tamayo called for improved coordination and unity of effort in addressing these challenges to help promote safety of life at sea and protect the marine environment.
“As our nation’s leading maritime safety agencies, our goal is to strive towards minimizing maritime incidents and dangers. Should the inevitable happen though, we can be sure that we have each other to depend upon in order to institute an effective and efficient fire/search and rescue/marine pollution operation,” Tamayo added.
The exercise also involved the deployment of seven SBMA and Auxiliary vessels namely: M/V Kalayaan, M/V Binictican, M/V Redondo, M/V Maritan, M/V Ilanin, M/V Triboa and M/V Cubi, including two Harbor Patrol Boats. SBMA likewise provided medical, fire, communication and oil spill on-shore protection teams for the purpose of the exercise.
Recognizing the role of the SBF locators during maritime disasters, the exercise also involved the participation of two tugboats of the Malayan Towage and Salvage Company and the oil spill on shore protection team of the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation.
During the exercise, we saw the preparedness and successful execution of the participants to achieve greater safety and protection of environment, Tamayo said.
“Awareness and preparedness are key factors in the achievement of these maritime goals,” Tamayo concluded.
