Japan has been a dependable partner of the Philippines in securing its maritime interests particularly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Saturday, Nov. 4.
PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan made the remark as he welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the PCG headquarters in Manila.
According to Gavan, the PCG recognizes that safeguarding the Philippines' maritime interests "is not the task of one entity alone, but rather the collective effort of our entire nation and even of the whole region".
"As we may all know, Japan and the Philippines have long been friends, partners, and allies. And now, more than ever, we become closer as we share common values, ideals, and a commitment towards regional stability and prosperity," he said.
"Particularly for us, Japan Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard, our collaboration is not merely diplomatic; it is a reflection of the familial ties that exist between our organizations. For so many years, we are not just partners; we are family. We are brothers in the service," he added.
Japan has supported the PCG in its capability development initiatives including the implementation of the Maritime Safety and Security Policy (MSP) Program.
The MSP is a collaborative program designed and administered jointly by Japan Coast Guard (JCG) and Japan's National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS). It makes it possible for students to benefit from the resources of both institutions in the fields of public policy, security studies, maritime safety, and maritime security.
Kishida even met with some of the Filipino graduates of the MSP program who are now ranking PCG officers during his visit.
Japan has also assisted the PCG in boosting its fleet power. The PCG acquired two 97-meter and 10 44-meter multi-role response vessels (MRRVs), as well as 10 shore-based radar stations from Tokyo.
Kishida also boarded BRP Teresa Magbanua, PCG's flagship vessel and one of its largest ships measuring 97 meters. The vessel is made by Japan.
Some of the vessels are used to patrol WPS and escort indigenous boats chartered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during its resupply missions, which is often challenged by China.
"Japan, without question, stands as one of the most generous and steadfast partners in our journey to upgrade our capabilities," Gavan said.
Both Gavan and Kishida expressed interest to further strengthen the two countries' collaboration on maritime safety and security.
"In the spirit of maintaining our coast guard's tradition, symbolized by the purity of our white ships, we continue to stand united and resolute in our shared commitment to maritime safety and security. More than our non-military nature, our ships symbolizes the integrity and clarity of our purpose – to protect, serve and save lives," Gavan said.