For the month of October 2017, the National Coast Watch Council Secretariat continued to participate in various maritime-related activities that include coordination for policy and strategy formulation, development of capabilities, and international cooperation.
The Secretariat has been involved in inter-agency meetings to improve coordination and processes with regard to Marine Scientific Researches (MSR) and the implementation of the NOVASAR-S Satellite Proposal which has been recently signed by the Executive Secretary, by the authority of the President.
The National Coast Watch Council Secretariat regularly conducts site visits and inspection to monitor the implementation of projects to enhance the Philippine capabilities for maritime surveillance
Meanwhile, the Secretariat also continued monitoring the implementation of projects and programs in line with enhancing the country’s capabilities and maritime surveillance. For the month, it has visited and conducted inspections in San Antonio, Zambales, San Fernando, La Union and Davao. It was noted that the procedures and structures of the AeroStat Radar System installed in Zambales and the Common Operating Picture (COP) System in La Union and in Davao are already in operational status, although a lot has to be improved especially in proper information sharing, and, collaboration and cooperation among agencies within the regional level.
The NCWC Secretariat during the 4th ASEAN-EU HLD held on October 5-6, 2017 at the Marriott Hotel, Manila. Second photo shows Usec Alano at the luncheon hosted by the Executive Secretary on October 6 at the Bonifacio Hall, Malacañang Palace, Manila.
On international cooperation, the Secretariat also joined other agencies in the Fourth ASEAN-EU High Level Dialogue on Maritime Security Cooperation held on October 5-6, 2017 at the Marriott Hotel, Manila. Organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs, ASEAN NOC and the NCWC Secretariat, the event aimed to introduce the work and accomplishments of the ASEAN-EU HLD on Maritime Security Cooperation to high-level inter-agency maritime security bodies within ASEAN Member States as well as exchange views and develop specific plan of action.