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By JOHN CARLO CAHINHINAN
January 1, 2011, 6:41pm
MANILA, Philippines — Due to the government’s more proactive preparations, greater maritime safety awareness, and improved security policies and facilities, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) “virtually attained” zero maritime casualties it had aimed in the local shipping industry last year.

Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo, PCG commandant, said that the notable decrease in the number of maritime incidents in 2010 is largely attributed not only to the less number of storms and other weather disturbances which had entered the Philippine archipelago but also on the Coast Guard’s maritime communications system in which they have sustained operational readiness and strategic deployment of maritime search and rescue (SAR) and disaster response assets.

“More integrated early warning and recall system for the shipping industry and local fishermen had been implemented during adverse weather conditions, and stronger partnership and cooperation among major maritime agencies and partner nations,” Tamayo said.

He added that the PCG had responded and rendered assistance to more than 750,500 persons and only listed a total of 240 casualties in some isolated incidents which occurred last year.

Tamayo also mentioned that they have saved a total of 9,577 lives in their 597 SAR missions conducted in 2010.

The PCG had also collected more than 1,930 tons of garbage along the coastlines they had maintained and inspected last year.