The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomed Japan's provision of P235.50 million in grant which will enable the military to acquire coastal radars.
The arrangement for the grant, to be provided through the Official Security Assistance (OSA) program by Tokyo, was among the key agreements signed by the governments of the Philippines and Japan during the courtesy visit of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacanang on Friday, Nov. 3.
Col. Xerxes Trinidad, chief of AFP public affairs office, said the grant worth ¥600 million (P235.5 million) will be used to purchase coastal radars for an improved maritime domain awareness capability by the military.
The radars can detect and monitor the movement of any vessel from the Philippines’ vast coastline.
"The coastal radar systems, funded through the OSA program, are a vital addition to the AFP's maritime defense capabilities and will bolster our ability to monitor and protect our extensive coastline, ensuring the safety and security of our seas," Trinidad said on Saturday, Nov. 4.
The AFP official said the assistance marked a "significant step forward" in the ongoing partnership between the Philippines and Japan.
"The AFP extends its gratitude to the government of Japan who shares a common commitment towards regional peace and stability," Trinidad stressed.