Gonzales added that the headquarters along their shoreline, which will be equipped with modern communication devices, will effectively speed up coordination with other related government agencies such as the PCG and the Philippine Navy in responding to sea mishaps, oil spills and other sea tragedies especially during typhoons.
Meanwhile, in relation to the government’s program called “Adopt-a-lighthouse,” Mayor Concepcion also revealed that they are now set to work with the PCG to reconstruct and preserve the historic Sisiman lighthouse which was reportedly damaged by the recent typhoons.
The project also invites private individuals, corporations and non-government organizations to adopt one of the country’s 558 lighthouses.
In a report from the Coast Guard, it states that of the 558 lighthouses situated all over the country, only 471 of them are working. The remaining 87 units, which have been reportedly vandalized or burglarized–their bulbs and batteries stolen–are in urgent need of adoption so these could be repaired and refurbished.
The PCG which is also mandated to operate the lighthouses, hired civilian personnel to man the lighthouses, but thieves and vandals allegedly sneak inside the towers when the lighthouse keepers go home.
