PH buying 5 patrol boats from Japan for Coast Guard

PH buying 5 patrol boats from Japan for Coast Guard

/ 05:36 AM May 18, 2024

PH buying 5 patrol boats from Japan for Coast Guard

TOP PARTNERS Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo and Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya sign a loan agreement on Friday under Japan’s Official Development Assistance for the purchase of five patrol boats for the Philippine Coast Guard. —DFA PHOTO

The government has agreed to buy five coast guard patrol ships from Japan, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Friday, as the country faces increasing Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya on Friday signed a P23.85-billion ($413.3 million) loan package under Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), for the purchase of the boats as part of the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Article continues after this advertisement

Scholarships

The PCG, an attached agency of the Department of Transportation, has been at the forefront among the country’s law enforcement and security agencies in asserting Philippine sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea. With that mandate, the PCG continues to draw support from the country’s allies and also within government.

FEATURED STORIES

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian has filed a bill seeking to reorganize and further equip the PCG to build its capacities in defying Chinese aggression.

Japan’s Foreign Ministry described the patrol boats as 97 meters long and capable of “offshore patrol” and “multirole response.” Manalo said in his remarks: “This occasion signifies not only the deepening of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Japan but also underscores our unwavering commitment to enhance our maritime safety capabilities for the benefit of our nation and the broader maritime community.”

Article continues after this advertisement

The DFA also said Manalo and Kazuya signed another ODA agreement providing two to three years of postgraduate “Human Resource Development Scholarships” to interested Filipinos.

Article continues after this advertisement

The P121-million grants are intended for Filipino scholars who wish to “enhance [themselves] in public service” and “take on leadership roles,” the DFA said.

Japan is the Philippines’ top partner in overseas assistance, including development projects in infrastructure, health, human resources, agriculture, education, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, among other areas. —REPORTS FROM JANE BAUTISTA AND AFP

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions.

TAGS: coast guard, Japan, West Philippine Sea

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.