The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is eyeing to purchase additional ships from Japan that will complement BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) and BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), its biggest and most advance assets.
This was discussed by Admiral Artemio Abu, PCG Commandant, to visiting delegates of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) led by its president, Dr. Tanaka Akihiko, and Japan Embassy at the PCG headquarters in Port Area, Manila on Friday, Jan. 20.
Abu welcomed the Japanese delegates where they discussed several ongoing projects with JICA such as the proposed acquisition of additional 97-meter multi-role response vessels.
Abu said that the Philippines-Japan relationship “is one of the longest-standing diplomatic relations that have grown through decades of solidarity, mutual respect, and understanding through fruitful engagement and closed (sic) cooperation.”
BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Melchora Aquino are 97-meter long MRRVs which were acquired by the PCG from Japanese shipmaker Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. through an Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding by JICA.
Both BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Teresa Magbanua were launched by the PCG in 2021 as part of the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) Phase II.
By procuring additional 97-meter long MRRVs, Abu said that the PCG will have more assets in its fleet that may be used in patrol operations, rescue missions, and other functions to promote economic growth and ensure peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
Aside from this, Abu also pitched to the Japanese delegates the planned construction of a PCG facility at Subic Bay; the possible acquisition of additional high-speed boats and portable electric generator for shore power supply; and the establishment of a Satellite Data Communication System Project.
Abu accompanied the Japanese delegates onboard the BRP Melchora Aquino where they also talked about the country’s bridge management system. The PCG and Japan Coast Guard (JCG) then showcased an arresting technique demonstration onboard the vessel.
Abu recognized JICA’s help to realize some of the biggest projects of the PCG on vessel acquisition, maritime domain awareness, capability programs, and human resource development.