Japan PM Kisihida boards BRP Teresa Magbanua

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during his courtesy call at the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). Photo from PCG.

MANILA, Philippines — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday boarded BRP Teresa Magbanua, a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel made from Japan.

Kishida boarded the ship after his courtesy visit to PCG’s National Headquarters in Manila.

PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said he was honored by the prime minister’s visit.

“We are truly honored by your presence and look forward to deepening our ties through various cooperation and collaboration initiatives towards maritime safety and security,” Gavan said of Kishida in his speech.

Before this visit, Kishida addressed the Philippine Congress, where he announced Japan’s plan to provide 12 ships for PCG.

READ: PM Kishida: Japan to send 12 ships to PH Coast Guard  

Earlier, Japan Coast Guard commandant Admiral Shohei Ishii also visited PCG headquarters before touring BRP Teresa Magbanua.

Coast guard officials of the Philippines and Japan after boarding BRP Teresa Magbanua, including Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan and Japan Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Shohei Ishii. INQUIRER.net/John Eric Mendoza

To date, BRP Teresa Magbanua is the PCG’s largest multirole response vessel at 97 meters.

Made in Japan, this MRRV class based on Kunigami-class design has a maximum speed of not less than 24 knots and an endurance of not less than 4,000 nautical miles, according to the PCG.

READ: Senate convenes in special session for Japan PM Kishida’s official visit