PH welcomes JICA’s support to maritime safety

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 19): PH welcomes JICA’s support to maritime safety

The Philippines welcomed the assistance of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to the country’s maritime safety with the arrival of “Tubbataha”, the first of the ten 40-meter Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs) for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

“The cooperation aims to build the capacity of the Philippines in boosting maritime safety for socio-economic development. As an archipelago, the Philippines will benefit greatly from the Japanese ship,” said JICA Chief Representative Susumu Ito.

The MRRVs was part of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) agreement with the Philippines signed during the ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in Tokyo in 2013. JICA signed a Japanese ODA loan agreement with the Republic of the Philippines amounting to ¥18.732B in December 2013.

PCG chief Rear Admiral Melad lauded the Japanese government for the continuous and unwavering support to the PCG’s capability development programs.

The vessel was named after Lighthouse Tubbataha which is located in Tubbataha Marine National Park, Palawan.

JICA’s cooperation will help augment the PCG’s fleet operations and contribute to the Philippines’ maritime safety by quickly and appropriately responding to maritime incidents, such as search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, monitoring, pollution control, and disaster response, Ito added.

The MRRVs from Japan utilize a hybrid structure and special welding technique that gives speed, stability, and sea-worthiness of vessels for maritime safety. Deliveries of the remaining vessels are expected every quarter until 2018.

The Philippines has been prone to maritime accidents and crimes due to passenger and freight transport volumes. In 2015, PCG data shows that 474 maritime accidents have been recorded, more than twice of the 220 reported cases in 2008.

Since the 1990s, JICA has long supported the initiatives of the PCG. Among the other projects undertaken by JICA and the PCG are provision of rescue equipment, training facilities, communication systems, and maritime safety equipment. JICA has also trained 600 PCG personnel for effective operations for maritime safety and security. In 2014, JICA extended ¥1.152 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 been also dispatched to PCG as part of a technical cooperation.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/241471513124/ph-welcomes-jica-s-support-to-maritime-safety