NEDA OKs 5 new vessels for Philippine Coast Guard

MANILA, Philippines — The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board led by President Marcos approved yesterday three key projects, including one that will enhance the capability of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to secure the West Philippine Sea.

Approved during the eleventh meeting of the NEDA board were the third phase of the PCG’s maritime safety capability improvement project; the PBBM Bridges project of the agrarian reform department and the revised parameters, terms and conditions of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) extension project.

NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the third phase of the maritime safety capability improvement project involves the design, construction and delivery of five units of multi-role response vessels, each with a length of 97 meters. The project, which has a total cost of P29.3 billion, will be funded through an official development assistance loan from Japan.

“This will further improve the Philippine Coast Guard’s capability to respond to threats and incidents within the country’s maritime jurisdiction,” Balisacan said at a press briefing in Malacañang.

“In particular, the project will enable the coast guard to secure important sea lines of communication in the West Philippine Sea, Sulu-Celebes Seas, and the Philippine Sea. It will also help the PCG combat illegal activities and enforce maritime laws in the Philippine waters,” he added.