Coast Guard hopes to inspire kids during vessel tour

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) hopes more young people would be inspired by its work of protecting Philippine sovereignty, particularly during patrols in areas of the West Philippine Sea that usually sees hostile action, particularly with China.

The agency gave a tour of the 97-meter patrol vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua on Oct. 14 to around 50 children, mostly from Tondo in Manila and from Batangas who are supported by international humanitarian group World Vision.

Children should learn about how the PCG performs its mandate, particularly in dealing with disputes with other countries, particularly China, that claim parts of the West Philippine Sea, according to PCG spokesman Rear Admiral Armand Balilo.

He hoped the crew of the BRP Teresa Magbanua, which has been deployed in the West Philippine Sea off Palawan since February, could “inspire patriotism and civic action” among the children.

Its captain Commander Artzell Anacan leads the BRP Teresa Magbanua that is manned by 45 enlisted personnel and 15 officers.

BRP Teresa Magbanua is named after the Ilonggo heroine during the American occupation and World War II.

Currently docked at Pier 13 in Manila for maintenance, the Japan-made ship is capable of performing rescue operations, as it is equipped with a medical room and a decompression chamber.

The children were joined by young actors on training under Star Magic, led by actor and PCG Auxilliary Commander Gerald Anderson.