INTRODUCTION
First of all, I felicitate and congratulate the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) which marked its 92nd year yesterday.
I also greet my colleagues in the Maritime League, which we launched at the Army and Navy Club three years ago, with me as your honorary chairman.

This Maritime Annual Review is indeed a welcome development in our maritime industry. There is a dearth of written technical, industrial, business and professional publications in our country. And in the maritime industry, there is hardly any. So, I am very glad that the League has begun the work of closing the gap.

I am likewise happy to see that the Department of Transportation and Communications, has gone all out in support of the Coast Guard’s aid-to-navigation program.

Lighthouses have been in use in the Philippines since 1924 when Manila Farola Light (Philippine Lighthouse #1) was established at the mouth of the Pasig River. However, the site is now far inland because of reclamation of land from the bay, so the old lighthouse is mainly a historical monument now.

It is one of the sites scheduled for rehabilitation under the Pasig River Rehabilitation Project (PRRP) which the First Lady is spearheading as chairman.

The PCG, DOT/PTA, Manila City Government and the Maritime League are all committed to support this project. I expect results from your pledges.
“USERS PAY” PRINCIPLE
While the provision of navigation aids (NAVAIDS) benefits the community as a whole, its costs ought not to be borne by government alone. Private users, who likewise benefit most directly from the provision of NAVAIDS, should be asked to shoulder part of the funding, provided that equitable proportioning of the burden to all user groups and ability to pay are carefully considered.

This is why the proposal of PCG, MARINA and DOTC for an independent system based on the “users pay” principle, and which has been endorsed by the shipping and ports advisory council, should be given focus and priority.

Since 1990, we have had the National Board for Aids to Navigation (NABAN) and corresponding District Boards for Aids to Navigation (DIBAN), which are charged with the development of navigational aids at the national and coast guard district levels. These boards lack teeth, however, because of the absence of a law creating them. I am glad to learn that Senator Shahani plans to sponsor a bill formalizing the creation of the national and district boards for aids to navigation — in the interest of maritime safety.

Maritime safety is fundamental to our development goals as a nation. Unless we can ensure the safety of our seas to navigation, the flow of goods and services and the transport of passengers in our island world will be gravely impaired. We are a maritime nation by reason of geography and history. We must also be a maritime nation by conscious effort.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE MARITIME INDUSTRY
The full development of our maritime industry is an integral part of “Philippines 2000!!!.” one way to enhance this development is to avert and prevent costly accidents in our seas. You and I remember only too well the various shocking sea disasters that have occurred in our territory. Future projects on NAVAIDS have to be well planned thru proper coordination and consultation among the responsible government and private agencies.

Our government fully appreciates the support of the United Kingdom in this light station program, considering that the financing includes 35% non-repayable grant and 65% loan fund.

We need about 400 additional single-bearing stations to meet the minimum requirement of 750 light stations for maritime safety. I urge NEDA to support fully this program under the plan called MSIP II-B. It will cover 70 additional lighthouses for funding under British government assistance.

But let me also in the same breath issue some words of warning and caution before these are finalized. While the fast-track approach has its virtues, it can also be costly in terms of inadequate proper planning and can be vulnerable to irregularities.

I would like to pose the following questions:

A). Are the new lights adequately provided with organization support?

B). Are we fully capable of maintaining continuous operation and maintenance of the old and new navaids? Are your lighthouse tenders up to the job?

C). Is compatibility of the various systems being addressed?

D). Are the hazards of San Juanico Strait and other channels being looked into?

In sum, I believe that a total system approach must be taken: you should review your proposals. I therefore enjoin the PCG, NEDA and DOTC to work jointly to ensure that existing lights have a high degree of readiness, and that organization and service support are adequate.

In closing, I reiterate my commendations to you all for this effort to improve maritime safety in our country — and to the DND where the PCG still belongs, the DOTC, and to the British government for all that they are doing. I have no doubt that this project, when fully completed, will reduce maritime accidents in this country and accelerate our national development as we advance towards our goal of “Philippines 2000!!!.”

Thank you and good day.