PHL gets 6 new floating assets from Japan
On March 28, 6 floating assets were officially added to the inventory of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) during the commissioning ceremony of Parola-class multi-role response vessels BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408) and BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) and turn-over ceremony of four 7-meter class high-speed boats from Japan.
BRP Cape San Agustin and BRP Cabra were acquired through the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) for PCG Phase 1 funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) official development assistance (ODA) loan.
“The two 44m class patrol vessels, named “Cape San Agustin” and “Cabra” respectively, are the 7th and 8th of the ten Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs) that Japan is providing with its soft loan amounting to 18.7 billion yen (8.5 billion pesos),” the Japanese Embassy in Manila said.
The four 7-meter class high-speed boats, on the other hand, are part of the thirteen high-speed boats pledged under Japan’s grant aid worth 600 million yen (270 million pesos), the Japanese Embassy said.
First batch of three 7-meter class high-speed boats were turned over November 2017.
“The vessels and boats will enhance the Philippines’ capabilities for law enforcement, help in the prevention of maritime accidents and in the conduct of quick rescue operations, and contribute to the overall improvement of maritime security in the Philippines,” the Japanese embassy said.
It added that these projects are expected to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines.
(Mintfo)