THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) formally initiated the development of a new Vessel Support Facility (VSF) at Buliluyan Port in Bataraza, Palawan, following a strategic kick-off meeting on September 3.
The infrastructure project is being executed in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).
During the meeting, UNODC outlined the project implementation framework, which encompasses design, procurement, construction, testing, commissioning, and the final facility handover.
The strategic facility aims to enhance the PCG’s operational capabilities in Southern Palawan by providing essential infrastructure to support extended maritime patrols, domain surveillance, and rapid response operations.
Once completed, the VSF is expected to boost operational readiness across the PCG’s core mandates, including maritime security, law enforcement, search and rescue, and marine environmental protection.
Participating agencies reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintaining close coordination throughout the construction timeline.
Coast Guard officials noted that the initiative aligns with the agency’s Intensified Community Assistance, Awareness, Response, and Enforcement (iCARE) Program and the broader “Bagong Pilipinas” national vision to strengthen maritime presence in critical boundary areas.
