VIGAN CITY, July 15 (PIA) – The Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur received a fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) patrol boat recently from the United States (US) Department of the Interior International Technical Assistance Program at the Provincial Farmers Livelihood Development Center in this city.
 

Director Kelia Cummins of the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, US Embassy transferred the sturdy, cost-effective boat along with the technology to Governor Jeremias Singson together with Vice Governor Ryan Luis Singson and the Provincial Board Members.
 

The governor said, “We will continue this advocacy that you have started by maximizing this patrol boat for good use.”
 

“We also commit that this patrol boat will be in operation by providing the engine as a counterpart of the provincial government,” said Governor Singson as he thanked both Director Cummins and Tanggol Kalikasan for the donation.
 

Moreover, a training on FRP patrol boat construction was conducted in the province in partnership with the University of Northern Philippines and Tanggol Kalikasan Inc. through the Institute of Environmental Governance Program, and in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Director Cummins said, “This project is very special and unique, we’re not only using sustainable environmentally friendly materials and providing training and expertise but that training and expertise is designed and launched to be propagated to others, meaning everyone whose trained should now be equipped to share that knowledge, so one boat can turn into 10, and turn into 20 so that you are capacitated to protect your natural resources.”
 

The FRP patrol boat is considered a better alternative to traditional wooden boats as it is stronger and more resistant to rot, corrosion and harsh marine environments despite the higher cost of production. (JCR/AMB/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)