INTRODUCTION
We are gathered here today to witness the inauguration of another milestone project in our march towards our shared vision of “Philippines 2000!!!”.

This project, the first phase of the Maritime Communications Project (MCP), undertakes the establishment of a public coast station and a port station in Metro Manila to be known as the Central Coast Station.

The station is composed of three main sites: the operation center located in Mandaluyong City; the transmitting station in Taguig, Metro Manila; and the receiving station based in Balagtas, Bulacan.

The completion of this project and its subsequent operationalization strengthens and expand the delivery of maritime mobile services to the country such as: one, distress and safety communications; two, ship movement service; three, port operations service; and four, public correspondence.

It is also expected that this station will initially serve as the backbone for the incoming implementation of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), in consonance with the Philippine government’s commitment to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention.
HEEDING THE CALL FOR MODERNIZATION
Because the Philippines is an archipelagic country with an irregular coastline, maritime transportation assumes paramount importance in national economic development.

For a country that depends a great deal upon sea and land resources, our maritime communication service constitutes an essential means for stable and effective management of ports, ship operations and calamity situations.

In this day of expanding economies and globalization, the call for modernization has never been as urgent.

Modernization, however, is much more than the advancement of technology because it encompasses the larger, wider, more complex process of nation-building — of integrating potentially conflicting groups within society into a competitive but peaceful union founded on their shared interests. It is the forging of the sense of a common identity and value-based solidarity, without which we cannot have a cohesive and orderly national community.

Modernization involves a profound reform of the state — to raise its political capacity and to strengthen its social commitments. It means empowering ordinary people — enabling them to have a say in how they are to be governed — and instilling among our elite a higher sense of social responsibility.

Modernization is also about equality — equality in opportunity, equality in access to the benefits of economic growth, equality in practice, and not merely in abstract theory. And it is about citizens sharing a belief in how the national community should be developed, for what purposes, and for whose benefit.

Raising the political capacity of the state means increasing the quality of leadership and the effectiveness of the bureaucracy — the police, the judiciary, and all of the other institutions of government.

Modernization is also about achieving sustainable development — development suited to our geography, and consistent with the carrying capacity of our environment — our soil, water and atmosphere. Modernization means enhancing human development that preserves the organic balance between nature and humanity.

It is a pervasive sense of crisis that has set us on this path toward growth and modernization. Our protracted political and economic crisis over this last generation has created among ordinary Filipinos the consensus that we must cast aside accustomed ways that no longer work.
ENHANCING MARITIME SAFETY
The provision under this project of a means of communication between the coast station and the ships plying our islands, will greatly enhance safety in the transport of people and goods, thus minimizing the loss of lives and properties, especially during stormy weather conditions.

When a ship is in distress in the high seas, the upgraded communications facilities will enable the coast station to promptly inform the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) which, in turn, will take charge of the coordination of the rescue activities.

The speedy and effective means of communication between vessels in or around the port and the port master, will contribute to a smooth liaison with the marine traffic control, the anchorage area designation, and such other similar activities; thus, increasing the efficiency of port operations.

Protection of life and properties at sea and timely delivery of distress and safety communications and meteorological messages and warnings will be enhanced through efficient communications between the coast station and the ship station.

Efficient operation of ships, closer client-operator rapport and reduction of unnecessary transportation costs will result in a smoother and faster business atmosphere.
CLOSING
Indeed, this project will make a great contribution to the growth and development of the national economy and to the social welfare of our citizens throughout the archipelago.

Before closing, I take this opportunity to thank the Government of Japan, through Ambassador Yushita and the Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund (OECF), for providing the much needed financial and management assistance that made this endeavor possible and successful.

To the men and women of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), my commendations for a job well done.

Mabuhay Philippines 2000!!!

Mabuhay kayong lahat!!!