The United States government has donated naval tactical gear and vessel maintenance equipment worth P11 million to improve maritime law enforcement by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The U.S. Embassy on Monday said the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) turned over the tools and maritime equipment for the PSG Fleet to the Office of the PSG deputy commandant.
In a statement, the embassy said U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson and PCG deputy commandant for operations Vice Admiral Eduardo Fabricante led the turnover ceremony at the PCG Headquarters in Manila on August 22.
Valued at P11 million ($196,000), the U.S. donation consisted of visual detection and monitoring equipment, first aid kits to support fleet-provided trauma care, and an array of tools for conducting shore-based maintenance of PCG vessels, the Embassy statement said.
The U.S. continues to support the PCG’s expansion and modernization efforts, as with the latest donation package of detection, monitoring, and maintenance equipment, officials of both countries noted.
The PSG fleet has a fleet of 62 patrol boats and four support ships used for maritime law enforcement.
“The PCG is on a promising trajectory, and we are committed to support them in achieving their vital and ambitious development goals and in responding to a wide-range of maritime challenges,” Ambassador Carlson said in her remarks during the turnover ceremony.
“The United States government has consistently shown its support for this organization throughout the years. They are one of the most vocal advocates for improving [PCG] capabilities, in addition to the funding for education and training of the men and women of the PCG,” Fabricante said.
INL and its U.S. partners have developed a robust partnership with the PCG since 2015. Areas of cooperation have evolved beyond technical and operational training for PCG crew members to include major infrastructure development, comprehensive vessel support programs, and operational support equipment to significantly enhance the Philippines’ maritime domain awareness and expand the operational coverage of its exclusive economic zone.
The U.S. Embassy and the PCG are working together to prepare for the visit of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett to Manila next week.