The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) receives Starlink communication devices from Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) in a handover ceremony held Saturday, October 26, at the Coast Guard National Headquarters in Port Area in Manila.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan accepted a hundred Starlink devices with a free three months subscription. The donation aims to enhance the Coast Guard’s disaster response capabilities
and support its ongoing cooperation and collaboration initiatives.
Gavan expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the electronic devices, which will play a major role in the fulfillment of PCG’s mandates and improving communication during critical missions and operations at sea.
“These Starlink devices will be instrumental in enhancing our communication capabilities, particularly in disaster response and maritime operations,” he said.
First Lady and Auxiliary Vice Admiral Marie Louise ‘Liza’ Araneta-Marcos initiated and facilitated the collaboration between the PCG and SpaceX.
PCG Deputy Commandant for Administration Rear Admiral Edgar Ybañez, Coast Guard Weapons Communications Electronics and Information System Command Commander, Rear Admiral Joeven Fabul, and other senior Coast Guard officers and enlisted personnel also attended the event.
The Starlink devices will be used to strengthen the PCG’s communication network, especially in remote and disaster-prone areas where traditional communication infrastructure is limited.
The enhanced connectivity is expected to improve coordination during rescue and relief operations and strengthen the overall effectiveness of the organization’s maritime safety and security functions.
