LEGAZPI CITY, July 30 -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Bicol will maintain round-the-clock disaster response readiness and strengthen inter-agency cooperation as it seeks to enhance emergency response and maritime security in the region, its new commander said Thursday.

Commodore Rolando Lorenzana, who has formally assumed command of PCG District Bicol, said the district will remain on round-the-clock standby to respond to both maritime and land-based emergencies as part of its commitment to ensuring public safety in the disaster-prone Bicol Region.

"Disaster response will always be among our priorities. The Coast Guard should be ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to any form of disaster, whether maritime or ...