The U.S. government through its State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) has donated P1.9 million ($34,500) worth of equipment to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Fleet Maintenance and Repair Group (MRG) workshop in Sangley Point, Cavite.
In a statement released on Friday, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines said this significant contribution aims to enhance the Coast Guard’s ability to maintain and repair vessels.
“This activity is another important step in our capability buildup to provide the necessary equipment for our MRG,” Coast Guard Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Rommel Supangan was quoted saying during the turnover ceremony.
Supangan also acknowledged the support as “another meaningful step forward” in the cooperation between the PCG and the U.S. Embassy to promote maritime security.
U.S. Embassy INL Director Kate Riche has “pledged to continue supporting the MRG as they operationalize their maintenance facility and address vessel sustainment requirements comprehensively across the Coast Guard Fleet.”
“This transfer of essential equipment and backup power supply will enable a broader and more effective equipment repair program,” Riche noted.
The PCG launched its 400-square-meter Fleet MRG Workshop in Sangley Point in May 2024 to improve its maintenance operations for small boats and larger patrol vessels complementing a similar facility in the Manila Port Area.
The U.S. Department of Defense funded the construction of the P54-million ($950,000) MRG Workshop in Cavite while the INL funded its design and outfitting in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard.
INL and other U.S. government agencies are also planning additional support for PCG vessel maintenance efforts in the coming year.
