20 NOVEMBER 2024 — The Philippine Coast Guard-Philippine Ports Authority (PCG-PPA) K-9 Training Academy is poised to become the premiere provider of K-9 security services in the Philippines, setting new standards for canine-based safety and protection nationwide. With a focus on world-class training, cutting-edge facilities, and expert instructors, the K-9 Academy aims to revolutionize K-9 security operations across the country.
In a significant step towards bolstering national security, the PPA formally turned over the first-ever K-9 Academy in Southeast Asia to the PCG on November 20, 2024. The ceremony was held at Barangay Dolores, Mabalacat, Pampanga, symbolizing a new chapter in the Philippines’ commitment to improving safety protocols across its ports and coastal areas.
The state-of-the-art K-9 Academy, a pioneering facility designed to enhance the capabilities of K-9 units in port security operations, will now be managed and operated by the PCG. With this transfer, the PCG will further strengthen its counterterrorism, anti-smuggling, and law enforcement efforts at the nation’s critical maritime points of entry.
“Ang konsepto po nito ay nais po natin na magkaroon po ng mas episyente at mas praktikal, at cost-effective na pagpapalago ng ating K-9 capability sa pamamahala po ng Philippine Coast Guard. Para magkaroon po tayo ng isang uniform, iisang standard, at iisang panuntunan upang magkaroon ng dekalidad na serbisyo sa larangan ng K-9 services sa buong bansa. Para masigurado ang seguridad, hindi lamang po ng ating mga pasilidad kundi po pati seguridad po ng ating mga kababayan,” GM Santiago said on his speech.
GM Santiago also mentioned that the PPA and PCG continue to maintain strong ties, and that the K-9 Academy is just the beginning of expanding K-9 services and assets.
“With the ultimate intention na ang PCG K-9 command will be the premiere provider of K-9 services and K-9 security sa buong Pilipinas. Sa darating po na mga buwan ay ipupundar na natin ang mga programa ng PPA at PCG para sa pagpapalawig ng kapasidad ng K-9 command ng PCG na malaking tulong rin sa ating mga pantalan at sa lahat ng paslilidad na pangtransportasyon sa ating bayan,” he added.
As security threats continue to evolve, the demand for highly trained K-9 units is growing. The PPA-PCG K-9 Training Academy seeks to address this need by offering specialized training programs that prepare K-9 teams for a wide range of security challenges, including detection, search and rescue (SAR), and anti-terrorism efforts.
With a deep commitment to professionalism and excellence, the PCG-PPA K-9 Training Academy is dedicated to ensuring that every K-9 unit it trains is prepared for the complexities of modern security challenges.
The K-9 Academy is equipped to handle the training needs of at least 128 K-9 dogs and 100 handlers. The facility includes several specialized sections: a Canine Development Center, a Canine School, a Canine Breeding Center, a Canine Hospital, and a Kennel Management and Biosecurity unit. These areas are designed to offer comprehensive training for various K-9 roles, including bomb threat detection, fugitive apprehension, narcotics interception, and other security-related functions.
These highly trained K-9 teams will be deployed to various ports across the Philippines to support security operations and enhance the country’s ability to combat illegal activities in the maritime domain. PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, expressed his gratitude for the transfer and emphasized the importance of the academy in strengthening the Philippine Coast Guard’s operations.
“We thank the Philippine Ports Authority for opening the doors to other stakeholders who would like to get the services of the Philippine Coast Guard. As of now our country don’t have the K-9 authority and we hope that with this facility, we could request the appropriate government agencies to recognize the Coast Guard as the K-9 authority of our country,” said PCG Admiral Gavan.
The academy’s capabilities also extend to in-house breeding and veterinary care, ensuring that K-9 units are healthy, well-trained, and ready for deployment across the Philippines’ ports.
The establishment of the K-9 Academy is part of a broader strategy to enhance the security infrastructure of the country’s ports, with a focus on increasing operational efficiency and reinforcing the protection of vital economic and transportation hubs.
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