Australia pledges drones, personnel training to boost PCG modernization
The Australian government will assist the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in further strengthening its capabilities by providing modern equipment and technologies as well as training to its personnel.
(Photo: PCG)
This was announced by Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, who concluded her three-day working visit to the country on Friday, May 19.
Wong, who visited the PCG headquarters in Manila on Thursday, May 18, said Australia will give “drone equipment, training, and technology” to the PCG as part of its initiatives to enhance maritime cooperation between Manila and Canberra.
“Australia appreciates the Philippines' role in the continued stability and security of our region. We both want a region that is peaceful and where international law is respected,” Wong said as she highlighted Australia’s efforts in working with the Philippines to support peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.
(Photo: PCG)
Adm. Artemio Abu, PCG Commandant, thanked Wong and the Australian government for the pledges that will boost the PCG’s capability development programs.
He also expressed appreciation to the Australian government for helping the PCG acquire vessels so that it can better protect Filipino fishermen and secure the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Four San Juan-class patrol vessels were acquired by the PCG from Australian shipbuilding company, Tenix. The BRP San Juan, BRP EDSA II, BRP Pampanga, and BRP Batangas were commissioned into service from 2000 to 2003.
"The Philippine Coast Guard is indeed grateful for all the assistance that Australia has given from vessel acquisition, maritime domain awareness, and other capability development programs, human resource development and other capacity building program, and most especially the sustainment of PCG vessels under the Marine Resources Initiative Program," Abu said.
(Photo: PCG)
This was announced by Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, who concluded her three-day working visit to the country on Friday, May 19.
Wong, who visited the PCG headquarters in Manila on Thursday, May 18, said Australia will give “drone equipment, training, and technology” to the PCG as part of its initiatives to enhance maritime cooperation between Manila and Canberra.
“Australia appreciates the Philippines' role in the continued stability and security of our region. We both want a region that is peaceful and where international law is respected,” Wong said as she highlighted Australia’s efforts in working with the Philippines to support peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.
(Photo: PCG)
Adm. Artemio Abu, PCG Commandant, thanked Wong and the Australian government for the pledges that will boost the PCG’s capability development programs.
He also expressed appreciation to the Australian government for helping the PCG acquire vessels so that it can better protect Filipino fishermen and secure the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Four San Juan-class patrol vessels were acquired by the PCG from Australian shipbuilding company, Tenix. The BRP San Juan, BRP EDSA II, BRP Pampanga, and BRP Batangas were commissioned into service from 2000 to 2003.
"The Philippine Coast Guard is indeed grateful for all the assistance that Australia has given from vessel acquisition, maritime domain awareness, and other capability development programs, human resource development and other capacity building program, and most especially the sustainment of PCG vessels under the Marine Resources Initiative Program," Abu said.