In a significant move to bolster disaster management and environmental stewardship, the local government of Sto. Tomas, Pampanga, has handed over a PHP1.5 million, two-storey facility to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The handover ceremony, attended by Mayor John Sambo and PCG officials, took place on February 4, 2025. The new building, strategically located near the community landing fish port in Brgy. Poblacion, is set to serve as a multi-functional hub aimed at enhancing the PCG’s capabilities in disaster response, particularly in the river systems along Pampanga’s coastlines.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan expressed his gratitude towards the Sto. Tomas LGU, emphasizing that the facility would significantly uplift the morale of PCG personnel and improve their ability to respond to crises and disasters. Mayor Sambo highlighted the importance of the facility in bringing coast guard services closer to the community, thereby enhancing disaster awareness, preparedness, and response.
The collaboration between the national and local governments was praised by both parties as a model of effective partnership. In addition to the facility, the municipality is also donating a 5,000-square-meter plot of land to the PCG, which could be used for future training and educational facilities.