Phl eyes P7-B loan from Japan

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is eyeing a P7-billion loan from Japan to acquire 10 “multi-role response vessels (MRRVs)” to upgrade the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) monitoring capability in the country’s territorial waters.

The project is expected to reinforce and further develop the coast watch/patrol and search rescue capabilities of the PCG. This will support the PCG in controlling oil pollution; protecting maritime environment; and in enforcing applicable maritime laws on safety and security, according to National Economic and Development Authority-Investment Coordination Committee (NEDA-ICC) records.

The NEDA-ICC said the total project cost was estimated at P7.37 billion based on a Nov. 11, 2011 feasibility study.

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) proposed that the funding comes from the Japanese government under the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s Special Term for Economic Partnership (STEP) loan.

Transportation Secretary Manuel Roxas II had mentioned the project but did not give details. He said Japan was willing to provide the funding to help the Philippines.

He also said the government would use P1.5 billion from its share of the national gas project in Palawan to give the PCG a much needed upgrade.

Roxas said the government would use the money from the Malampaya fund to repair and refurbish three vessels and a helicopter of the Coast Guard for search and rescue operations.

He said the Coast Guard would also put up detachments in various areas so that Filipino fishermen and all vessels plying the country’s waters would be monitored.

He admitted that the current standoff in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal with China highlighted the country’s need to modernize its capabilities to guard the coastlines.

Roxas said the Philippines has vessels that could withstand any weather, but because of their limited size – 56 meters was the biggest in the Coast Guard fleet – the ships could only carry limited amounts of fuel, water, food and other supplies.

He added that the government has limited sea assets to replenish the supply of other ships in operations.

He said it was important for the Coast Guard to be able to immediately launch search and rescue operations.

“The (plan) also includes deployment of Coast Guard detachments or stations in other key strategic locations in the country and, of course, assigning personnel,” he said.