Coast Guard getting 5 new vessels from Japan

MANILA, Philippines — Expect a significant improvement in the operational capabilities of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) with the approval of P29.3-billion budget for its acquisition of five new vessels.

This was according to PCG chief Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan, who expressed gratitude to President Marcos and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for the approval of the budget for the “design, construction and delivery of five multi-role response vessels (MRRV) through Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan.” Marcos chairs the NEDA.

The PCG said the acquisition of the 97-meter vessels is part of Phase 3 of its Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP).

In a statement yesterday, Gavan said the President has “emphasized the need for the PCG’s capability improvement to combat illegal activities and enforce maritime laws in the country’s exclusive economic zones.”

“With meaningful approval from the NEDA Board, the five-year integrated logistics support would allow us to enhance our maritime security operations, specifically in the West Philippine Sea, Southern Philippines and Benham Rise,” he said.

Currently, the PCG has two 97-meter MRRVs – BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) and BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) – both procured through ODA from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Meanwhile, the Philippines and Australia have declared their commitment to “uphold maritime security and stability.”

In her courtesy call on Gavan on Wednesday, Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu said “Australia’s maritime partnership with the Philippines supports our shared vision for a secure, stable and prosperous region.”

Gavan thanked Yu for “fully supporting the PCG in its mandates and pursuing its modernization projects to become a world-class protector of law and rules, the universal fundamental reason for the existence of coast guards.”

In her visit last May, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong relayed Canberra’s pledge to provide training and technology like drone equipment to the PCG to enhance the latter’s capabilities in maritime domain awareness and protection.