Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) is visiting three countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for a three-week long port visit.
Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, PCG commandant, led the send-off ceremony of the 83-meter offshore patrol vessel at South Harbor in Manila on Thursday, March 27, for consecutive port visits to Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
In his speech, Gavan conveyed the importance of the mission as a symbol of the country’s commitment to regional cooperation in Southeast Asia. He emphasized the significance of strengthening ties with neighboring countries in enhancing maritime safety and security for a stable and secure maritime environment.
“We wish you fair winds, safe travels, and successful engagements as your journey to foreign shores in pursuit of deeper partnerships. We will await your safe return, and look forward to the fruits of this meaningful mission,” he said.
The mission, which will continue until April 20, aligns with key regional engagements particularly as Thailand Maritime Enforcement Coordinating Center (Thai-MECC) assumes the role of chairman and host of the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum (ACF) in 2025, reinforcing the commitment of ASEAN member-states to regional maritime cooperation.
Similarly, Gavan stressed that the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration within the region. “This port visit serves as an avenue for the PCG to further engage with the MMEA, strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new opportunities for joint initiatives,” he said.
As for the port visit to Vietnam, Gavan said it follows the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on maritime cooperation between the PCG and Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) in January last year.
He said the historic port visit of the VCG to the Philippines in August 2024 was a “milestone in enhancing bilateral relations” between the two countries, and in appreciation of their growing partnership, the PCG will reciprocate the gesture with a visit to Hanoi.
“In line with the PCG’s commitment to engage in initiatives that promote cooperation, sharing of best practices, interoperability, and mutual trust among regional Coast Guard agencies, this tri-country port visit will include bilateral meetings, maritime exercises such search and rescue exercises and communication exercise, people-people engagements and facility and cultural visits,” the PCG chief noted.