A design review for two new multi-role response vessels for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has been finalized, ramping up its patrol vessels fit for maritime law enforcement and security.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recently handed over to the Department of Transportation (DOTR) the final report of the design review of the new 94-meter patrol vessels under the JICA-Philippine cooperation Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project Phase II for the Coast Guard.
With the design review, the transportation department can now conclude the bid documents for the construction of the additional vessels, a component of the 16.455 billion yen Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan from Japan.
“JICA has been supporting the PCG for the past decades and we’re looking forward to the completion of this assistance to ramp up design of the patrol vessels the PCG can use for maritime law enforcement and security,” said JICA Chief Representative Susumu Ito.
Under the project’s first phase, JICA has already provided six of the 10 middle-sized MRRVs and are now deployed in Philippine sea waters.
The recent one, BRP Malabrigo, succeeded in the rescue mission in Zamboanga when a passenger vessel encountered engine trouble this month.
The cooperation between JICA and the Philippines for maritime safety is meant to address rising maritime accidents due to the increase in passenger volume, aging vessels, and natural disasters, JICA said in a statement.
Under the project, training for PCG personnel on vessel operation and maintenance in Japan and in the Philippines will also be conducted.