This after Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., President and CEO Koji Okura led the signing of the contract for the supply and delivery of two (2) units of Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs) under the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project, Phase II today, 7 February 2020.

In a simple but auspicious signing ceremony, Secretary Tugade emphasized that this development is a breakthrough towards the government's thrust of modernizing and upgrading the country's maritime protection and border patrol.

“The modernization of Philippine Coast Guard has been going fast and quick and very meaningful. In fact, in this effort to make it quick, fast, and very meaningful, the government of Japan has contributed very much. And to which I express my appreciation for your continued support,” the transportation chief said.

In his remarks, PCG Commandant Admiral Joel Garcia noted that the signing ceremony is a landmark achievement, not just for the department and agency, but also for the whole country as the PCG will now have its first-ever biggest patrol ships.

“We are making a milestone, not just for the Department of Transportation and Philippine Coast Guard, but also for the Philippines – acquiring the first-ever biggest ship for the Coast Guard. It is a 94-meter multi-role response vessel. It is a big stride to the development of this country in the context of maritime security and maritime safety,” Admiral Garcia said.

President Koji Okura, on the other hand, expressed his desire to continuously work and cooperate with the government in delivering various projects, programs, and initiatives as he noted, “We look forward to work with you all, in this important project and we sincerely appreciate your continuous cooperation to make this project successful.”

On the part of the Japanese government, JICA Chief Representative Yoshio Wada underscored the significance of the partnership between Japan and the Philippines in boosting economic trade, most especially in the maritime sector.

“Through the time, JICA partnering with PCG is a testament to the strong friendship between our two nations: Japan and the Philippines – both maritime nations where seaborne trade plays a crucial role in our economic growth.” Representative Yoshio Wada said.

Seen to improve the PCG's maritime safety capability, these MRRVs measuring approximately 94-meters, has a maximum speed of not less than 24 knots and an endurance of not less than 4,000 nautical miles. The patrol vessels will be of great help in responding to maritime incidents in the country's waters, up to the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), such as search and rescue operations, maritime security operations, and marine environmental protection, among others.

The vessels are expected to be delivered to the PCG by 2022.

The contract signing was witnessed by DOTr Undersecretary for Finance Garry De Guzman, Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Reinier Paul Yebra, Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Joel Garcia, and Assistant Secretary for Maritime Lino Dabi.

From the private sector, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. Business Department General Manager Kenichiro Mase and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. Manila Representative Office Chief Representative Kazunori Yokome witnessed the ceremony.

Officials also present in the event were DOTr Usec. for Railways Timothy John Batan, Usec. for Aviation and Airports Manuel Tamayo, DOTr OIC Usec. for Administrative Service Artemio U. Tuazon Jr., Assistant Secretary for Procurement and Project Implementation Giovanni Lopez, Japan Embassy in the PH Minister for Economic Affairs Masahiro Nakata, JICA Chief Representative Yoshio Wada and representatives from Toyota Tsusho Corporation.