Cognizant of the Pangasinan State University’s immense contribution in the field of fisheries and agricultural sector, the university received a mould of the 30- footer Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Patrol Boat from Tanggol Kalikasan entities.
In a ceremony held at the university’s main campus on Tuesday, representatives from the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) led by Director Keila Cummins, International Technical Assistance Program of the United States Department of Interior (USDOI ITAP) in-country Coordinator and Tanggol Kalikasan Executive Director Ms. Ronely Bisquera-Sheen and Tanggol Kalikasan Senior Legal Adviser Atty. Asis G. Perez, turned-over the FRP boats to PSU officials.
Atty. Perez said the objective of the activity is to build and maintain a 30-footer FRP Patrol Boat. It also aims to increase awareness and develop interest among the state universities and local government units on FRP Boat as well as provide technical assistance in boat building.
The patrol boats will also be used to in safeguarding the waters of the province to ensure that no illegal structures will emerge.
The visitors were warmly welcomed by Dr. Elbert Galas, Vice President for Administration and Linkages; Dr. Potenciano D. Conte Jr., Director of General Services Office (GSO); Dr. Roy Ferrer, Campus Executive Director of Binmaley Campus; Dr. Shella Pareno and Dr. Irene de Vera and other faculty members of Binmaley.
Aside from the 30-footer FRP, PSU also received technical designs for a 19-footer fit for an inboard engine, a 19-footer fit for an outboard engine and equipment including a welding machine, compressor, and grinder.
In the Ilocos region where the university is situated, it is identified to be of “extremely high priority” and a “critical area” for marine conservation because of the presence of important marine and fisheries species are located and probably, where law enforcement and environmental governance oversight remain low.
On behalf of the University President Dr. Dexter Buted, the VP for Administration and Linkages Dr. Elbert Galas, said “My dear friends, the future of our oceans depends on our ability to achieve a far higher level of understanding of the current situation of our marine and coastal resources. We zoom in our lenses to identify problems that cause damage to the ecosystem and craft action plans and ensure their proper implementation. Lastly, we look into better or improved governance and policy response to the ocean and coastal issues”.
Hence, the Pangasinan State University, in complying with its core values and strategic goals, will keep its bond with the local, national, and international linkages in providing greater services to the stakeholders.