The Philippine Navy and the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) formalized their commitment to preserving the nation’s maritime heritage by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Tuesday, February 18.
Navy Chief Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta and NMP Director General Jeremy Barnes signed the agreement at the Naval Station Jose Andrada in Manila, according to Navy spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos.
The MOU aims to foster collaboration in maritime archaeology and marine sciences, focusing on joint research efforts and training programs to advance these fields.
“We know that we can do our part to help strengthen our Philippine Navy and really promote the importance of our Navy and its heritage to our people, our friends, partners, and allies around the world,” Barnes said.
The MOU will also allow the Navy to strengthen its expertise in preserving historical naval sites and artifacts, as well as maritime and underwater archaeological locations.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to the National Museum of the Philippines for the shared commitment to advancing our nation’s maritime interests and aspirations,” Ezpeleta said.
The Philippine Navy was formed in 1939 with the establishment of the Philippine Off-Shore Patrol (OSP). The OSP was disbanded during World War II but was reorganized in 1947, a year that also marked the transfer of approximately 95 ships from the US Navy to the Philippine government.
On October 4, 1947, the OSP was replaced by the Philippine Naval Patrol, which became a key component of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. By October 1948, naval vessels valued at around $62 million had been transferred from the US Navy to the Philippine Naval Patrol.
The Philippine Navy was officially established on December 23, 1950. Two graduates of the US Naval Academy played significant roles in this development: Commodore Jose V. Andrada, who served as the first Commandant of both the OSP and the Philippine Naval Patrol, and Commodore Jose V. Francisco, the Flag Officer-in-Command of the Philippine Navy in 1949.