Philippines receives boat engines worth P31.5 million from US
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has received outboard motors worth P31.5 million ($630,000) from the United States.
The new equipment will help boost Philippine maritime law enforcement operations.
Last Friday, the US Embassy turned over 18 motors, which were later on installed on six Philippine National Police-Maritime Group patrol boats of its Special Operations Units in Honda Bay in Palawan and Bongao, Tawi Tawi.
Out of the 18 donated motors, 12 were used to restore six boats while six are spare engines, the US Embassy said.
“The U.S. government is committed to supporting the 2nd Special Operations Unit as well as our other partners in Palawan who share our interest to enhance security, economic prosperity, and environmental conservation in this amazing province,” US Embassy Chargé?d’Affaires ad interim Heather?Variava said.
The ceremonial turnover of the equipment was part of Variava's two-day visit to Puerto Princesa City.
Variava also visited the headquarters of the Western Command and Coast Guard District Palawan to discuss operational priorities and opportunities for cooperation.
The donation of the outboard motors was made possible through the US Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and the Global Security Contingency Fund.
The US Embassy noted that the INL, along with the US Department of Defense, have been partners with the PNP Maritime Group for over a decade.
"This partnership remains an enduring success that serves as a model for future initiatives," the US Embassy said in a media release issued Monday. — Patricia Lourdes Viray
A thread of notable updates on the Philippines' bilateral relations with the United States. — Main image from FPRI
The US government provides more than P450 million ($8 million) additional funding to strengthen the disaster preparedness and response in vulnerable communities in the Philippines.
This was provided through the US agency for International Development.
According to the US Embassy, the additional funding is eyed to enhance the typhoon preparedness and develop resilient livelihood strategies in disaster prone areas such as the Bicol, CARAGA and Eastern Visayas region.
"It will also fund partnerships with the private sector to help ensure the continuity of businesses and other critical services, such as energy and water, after disasters," the embassy reports. — Rosette Adel
United States of America President Joe Biden is celebrating the Filipino American History Month.
Biden issues a message dedicated to the Filipino-American community.
"Jill and I are thrilled to celebrate Filipino American History Month, honoring the rich heritage and traditions of millions of Filipino Americans. To our Filipino American community: Thank you for all you do to ensure our nation continues to be the land of opportunity," he says.
U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson reports that BRP Valentin Diaz and BRP Ladislao Diwa joined the Philippine Navy fleet to boost the Armed Forces of the Philippines' capabilities to defend the Philippines' rights in the West Philippine Sea.
"The U.S. supported this modernization effort through foreign military financing assistance," she says.
U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson shares a photo with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth in her Manila office.
In a tweet, Carlson welcomes Duckworth.
"Looking forward to important discussions with Filipino #FriendsPartnersAllies on our strong bilateral ties and economic cooperation. #PartnersInProsperity," the tweet reads.
Honored to welcome @SenDuckworth to the Philippines! Looking forward to important discussions with Filipino #FriendsPartnersAllies on our strong ???????????????? bilateral ties and economic cooperation. #PartnersInProsperity pic.twitter.com/kFgFYrFKAe
— Ambassador MaryKay L. Carlson (@USAmbPH) August 7, 2023
United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III's reaffirms the United States and Philippines' "commitment to standing shoulder-to-shoulder as allies to bring greater security, prosperity, and stability to the Indo-Pacific region and beyond" in a call with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
During the call, Austin says there are opportunities for the two countries to coordinate more closely with like-minded partners such as Japan and Australia "to ensure the region's shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific continues to thrive."
Austin and Teodory agree to meet in person to discuss the defense and security priorities of the Philippines and U.S.
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