The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the planned acquisition of 40 units of 35-meter fast patrol craft (FPC) will enhance the agency’s capability to protect the country’s maritime border, respond to calamity or any maritime emergency, and implement maritime laws.
PCG Commandant. Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan thanked President Marcos Jr. for approving the P25.8 billion fund for the procurement project during the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) board meeting last week.
“With these additional FPC, we will be better equipped to safeguard our territorial waters, provide timely humanitarian assistance during calamities, and improve our ability to combat illegal activities such as human trafficking and illegal fishing,” Gavan said on Sunday, Nov. 10.
According to the PCG, 20 out of the 40 FPCs will be acquired from France while the remaining 20 units will be constructed locally.
The provision for the local construction is expected to facilitate better transfer of technology and further enhance the country’s shipbuilding capability.
Meanwhile, the funding for the supply and delivery of the 40 units of FPC, proposed to be procured through a strategic agreement with France, also includes a nine-year Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) program and additional support equipment for identified PCG bases.
The floating assets, according to Gavan, would serve as vital components of the PCG's modernization program and form part of the government's broader initiative to enhance national security, disaster response, and maritime safety operations.
“We express our sincere gratitude to President Marcos Jr for his steadfast commitment to the PCG's modernization. His visionary leadership is key to strengthening our nation's defense, improving maritime security, and enhancing our capacity to respond to emergencies at sea,” he said.
The PCG is at the forefront of the country’s territorial defense in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) amid China’s incursions.
It also played a vital role in responding to recent calamities that struck the archipelago such as typhoons “Julian”, “Kristine”, “Leon”, “Marce”, and “Nika” – saving residents trapped in flood and delivering much-needed relief assistance to those who are in need.