Dumaguete: A senior Philippine Coast Guard official here assured the public of optimal maritime security and safety in Negros Oriental following the donation of three outboard motors from the local government of this capital city. Commodore Christopher Auro, commander of the Coast Guard District Southern Visayas (CGDSV), said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Monday that the donation is a major boost in carrying out their duties and mission, not only in Dumaguete but throughout the entire Negros Island Region (NIR).

According to Philippines News Agency, the donation will significantly enhance the Coast Guard's ability to perform its work more efficiently, particularly in search and rescue, environmental protection, law enforcement, and ensuring the safety and security of the maritime domain. During Monday morning's flag ceremony at the City Hall, Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria officially turned over the 40-horsepower outboard motors to the CGDSV commander.

The donation comes at a timely moment, as Dumaguete City is being promoted as the 'safest city' in the country, Sagarbarria said in his message, and is ranked among the top destinations in the World Travel Index. Auro noted that the outboard motors will be installed on three existing Coast Guard aluminum boats whose previous engines have already exceeded their service life.

The aluminum boats will be ready for deployment soon, especially now that the 'habagat,' or southwest monsoon season, has begun. Auro added that with these new maritime assets, the Coast Guard will be able to meet the PCG commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan's required emergency response time of 10 minutes from call-out during incidents at sea.