The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) signed the Record of Discussions for the new technical cooperation “Project for Enhancement of Maritime Safety and Security Capability of the Philippine Coast Guard” on April 15, 2025, at the PCG Headquarters in Manila City, Philippines.
It can be recalled that JICA previously supported the delivery of ten 44-meter and two 97-meter Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs) and further provided financing for acquisition of additional five 97-meter MRRVs. With the continuous increase of PCG vessels, JICA Chief Representative BABA Takashi emphasized the necessity for an “effective Operation and Maintenance [of these vessels] to effectively address contemporary maritime challenges and continuously protect the nation and lives of Filipinos.”
As such, JICA’s new technical cooperation project with PCG, which will be implemented from 2025 to 2028, will focus on enhancing PCG’s capability on Operation and Maintenance of vessels and Criminal Investigation through development of a Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Guidelines.
Furthermore, to support other areas of PCG’s operations, training programs on various areas such as maritime domain awareness, search and rescue, disaster prevention, traffic safety, forensics, arresting techniques, among others, will be conducted to improve the knowledge and skills of PCG personnel.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan extends his appreciation to JICA saying, “JICA’s support has been instrumental in helping the Philippine Coast Guard evolve into a more capable, modern and professional maritime law enforcement agency.”
In addition to providing MRRVs and technical cooperation projects, JICA has extended various support to PCG as early as the 1990s. This includes dispatch of maritime experts, short-term trainings, scholarship programs, and provision of various equipment which shows the full commitment of JICA to improve the capacity of PCG comprehensively.