THE second multi-role response vessel from Japan was commissioned Thursday in simple rites led by Japan embassy minister Makoto Iyori and Transportation Undersecretary Felipe Judan.
Christened the MRRV “Malabrigo,” the vessel is the second of 10 40-meter MRRVs Japan will donate for the use of the Philippine Coast Guard to improve its capabilities in quickly and appropriately addressing maritime operations. The remaining eight vessels will be delivered serially until 2018.
Japan has long supported the initiatives of the PCG. Other projects include the provision of rescue equipment, training facilities, communication systems, and maritime safety equipment.
In 2014, Japan extended Y1.152 billion grant aid to PCG to install a satellite-based communication system and Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) to manage vessel movement and port traffic.
An expert from the Japan Coast Guard has also been dispatched to PCG as part of technical cooperation assistance. Through these ODA projects, it is expected that the strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines will be further fostered and strengthened.