Japan-build coast guard vessel arrives

Rear Admiral Melad lauded the Japanese government for the continuous and unwavering support to the PCG's capability development programs. Over the past 18 years, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has extended numerous assistance to the PCG in terms of human resource development, providing additional equipment for the communications, diving and rescue, personal protective equipment for oil spill combat operations, and donating small boats and rubber boats.

Nine (9) more MRRVs will be built by the Japan Marine United Corporation (JMUC) Yokohama Shipyard for the PCG and will also be named after the primary lighthouses in the country to denote the important role of lighthouse as an aid to navigation to mariners.

The project is being implemented as an Official Development Assistance (ODA) via a tied loan extended by the JICA. The loan facility covers P 7,373,700,000 out of the total project of P 8,807,700,000. The balance will be sourced from the Philippine counterpart of P 1,434,000,000.

JMU will provide the supply of standard spare parts and tools, crew training, ocean transportation and marine insurance. The vessels will have a cruising speed of 25 knots and a range of 1,500 nautical miles. (DOTr)