ILOILO City – A major upgrade in maritime safety and disaster response in Western Visayas is on the horizon as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) completes Phase 1 of a new three-storey multi-purpose building for the Coast Guard District Western Visayas (CGDWV) in Iloilo.
The ₱19.7-million facility, built on a 235-square-meter lot inside the CGDWV compound, is expected to serve as a central command hub to bolster the Coast Guard’s operational efficiency in the region. It was unveiled during the district’s 42nd founding anniversary celebration.
“This multi-purpose building will serve as a central hub for the CGDWV, significantly enhancing our operational response capabilities,” said CGDWV Officer-in-Charge Director Joel F. Limpengco.
The additional space will facilitate more effective coordination of search and rescue missions and support our ongoing maritime safety and environmental protection initiatives, thereby reinforcing our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the Iloilo waters, he added.
Designed to support the multifaceted responsibilities of the Coast Guard, the building includes administrative offices, an audio-visual training room, officers’ quarters, living and dining areas, a chapel, a pantry, a function hall, and an exclusive area for high-ranking officials.
According to DPWH Iloilo City District Engineering Office OIC-District Engineer Roy Pacanan, the project aims to address the Coast Guard’s increasing need for infrastructure that supports rapid response and coordinated operations.
DPWH said the next phases of construction are already in the pipeline, reaffirming the government’s commitment to upgrading facilities for frontliners in maritime safety and disaster risk reduction./PN
