President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. approved the purchase of 40 fast patrol crafts (FPCs) for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to strengthen the country’s maritime security.
The acquisition, funded through a ₱25.8-billion Official Development Assistance (ODA) project from the French government, was given the greenlight during a National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board meeting at Malacañang on Tuesday.
Of the 40 vessels, 20 will be assembled in the Philippines, to boost local manufacturing and enhance maritime defense capabilities.
“This acquisition is the largest single purchase in the modernization of the Philippine Coast Guard. It is a game-changer for us,” said PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gavan during a press briefing on Thursday.
“These fast patrol boats will allow us to deploy at least two vessels in every district, capable of quickly reaching the edges of our socio-economic zones to enforce laws,” he added.
Some of the new patrol boats will be deployed to the West Philippine Sea, supporting the PCG’s mission to secure Philippine waters and address security threats.
The vessels are expected to bolster operations against smuggling, drug trafficking, piracy, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes. They will also assist in search and rescue, environmental protection, and surveillance.
“These patrol boats will help us enforce the law across our waters, protecting our fishermen and supporting national security,” Gavan stated.
“Providing security for our fishermen has always been a fundamental duty of the Coast Guard, and these vessels will further strengthen that commitment,” he added.
In addition to enhancing security, the new vessels are expected to support socio-economic development by aiding in the transport of goods and personnel during disasters, benefitting both national and local government operations.
