Transport Department commisions PCG's 3rd Parola Class Multi-Role Response Vessel

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) presided the commissioning ceremony of another Parola Class Multi-role Response Vessel to the Philippine Coast Guard.

Transportation secretary Arthur Tugade led the commissioning earlier today.

Tugade says the arrival of vessels from other countries for the maritime operations of the Philippines serves as a manifesto of the continuing improvement and modernization program of the current administration.

He further stated that, they are commissioning BRP Malapascu to underscore and make the promise of President Rodrigo Duterte a reality.

He also hopes that this is not the end of the modernization program but rather the beginning of both fleets coming in, more helicopters being purchased more construction being put in place.

Commodore Joel Garcia, the OIC of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) says, Japanese technology would significantly help in the improvement of PCG’s equipment especially in suppressing piracy in Philippine islands. 

"We have to have that safety security safety environmental numbering system on the haul of the boats for at least to law enforcers of the Coast Guards like policemen and military once they are at sea they can easily discern or distinguish those boats number automatically they will become suspects in operation”  Garcia adds.

The 44-meter long bulletproof vessel with assigned bow number 4403 was named after a Lighthouse in Malapascua Island, Cebu and is the third of the ten ships the Philippine government ordered from Japan under the maritime safety capability improvement project.

BRP Tubbataha (MRRV-4401) and BRP Malabrigo (MRRV-4402), the first and second Parola-class vessels were commissioned to coast guard service, October 2016 and December 2016, respectively.

The delivery of the vessels from Japan is expected to be completed in 2018.

These vessels will act as primary rescue vessels within the PCG District’s areas of responsibility (AOR) when the extent of the disaster is beyond the capability of floating assets deployed within the area.

It will also provide assistance in the control of oil pollution and protection of the marine environment; enforcement of all applicable maritime laws, particularly relating to illegal fishing and sea patrol.

Japanese ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa says that Japan also pledges to become Philippines’ partner in improving its infrastructure, human resource development and in taking steps to reduce poverty rates.

He added that such programs are part of his country’s efforts to maintain a good relationship with the Philippines.

The ambassador also said that, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe clearly stated at a summit meeting that Japan would continue to assist the Philippines in its endeavor to develop the society.