The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is building a PHP50-million facility in Marikina City that will allow its rescuers to carry out quick response operations during the typhoon season.

PCG Rear Admiral Hostillo Cornelio said this is part of the agency’s preparations to disaster response in the National Capital Region (NCR).

“This will allow the PCG to respond quickly in Marikina City during the typhoon season. This will be a strategic platform of waterborne search and rescue operations readily made available, as deemed necessary by the Marikeños,” Cornelio said in a news release.

The building will be funded by the Department of Public Works and Highways-United Project Management Office-Flood Control Management Cluster.

During the typhoon season, the PCG sends teams to rescue residents living in low-lying areas of the city.

Several barangays are located near the Marikina River which overflows during heavy rain showers, causing flooding.

Cornelio paid a courtesy visit to Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro last week to discuss the project, the PCG said.

In the meeting, Cornelio also offered the PCG’s K9 team NCR as part of security management augmentation during events in the city.

He also reiterated the PCG’s capability in water quality monitoring in the Marikina River. (PNA)