The Fleet Maintenance and Repair Group (MRG) Workshop is the PCG’s first facility built specifically for vessel maintenance.  Designed by the U.S. Coast Guard based on its vessel support sites, the 400-square-meter structure located at the Cavite Buoy Base in Sangley Point houses a machine shop, welding shop, electrical shop, staff office space, and storage room.  The facility’s specialized construction provides a wide range of capabilities that enable repairs on all types of vessels regardless of size, function, or country of origin.  

The construction of the MRG Workshop was funded by the U.S. Department of Defense through the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group-Philippines.  The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs also provided funding for equipment and training for technicians who are assigned to the MRG to conduct maintenance on vessel equipment.

“The MRG Workshop enables the Philippines to conduct more continuous and reliable vessel operations out at sea, counter illegal fishing, strengthen maritime domain awareness, and address unlawful activities from aggressive foreign actors,” Deputy Chief of Mission Ewing said in his remarks. “This marks another significant evolution in the bedrock partnership between the United States and the PCG.”

Deputy Chief of Mission Ewing noted the U.S. government’s previous efforts to support the PCG’s modernization, such as the construction of the U.S.-funded Specialized Education and Technical Building in Balagtas, Bulacan, which opened in 2023 to offer classroom and hands-on courses on vessel operations and engineering for PCG personnel. 

“This new workshop from the United States is a gamechanger for the PCG.  It will help us repair our ships faster and keep them in tip-top shape to better protect the Philippine waters,” Vice Admiral Dela Vega said.  “The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is deeply grateful for the U.S. donation of this vital maintenance and repair facility.  This state-of-the-art workshop will significantly enhance our ship repair capabilities and ensure the continued safety and operational efficiency of our fleet.”

The United States will continue to support the MRG in more effectively maintaining the PCG’s vessels to maximize operational presence throughout the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone.

This new funding will provide emergency food, shelter, water, sanitation, and essential hygiene items to support disaster-affected communities in Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, and Davao City in Mindanao. USAID will partner with Catholic Relief Services and Action Against Hunger to ensure this life-saving assistance reaches the most vulnerable groups, including single-parent households, persons with disabilities, pregnant and lactating women, the elderly, low-income families, and indigenous peoples.

In addition, and at the request of the Philippine government, the U.S. Department of Defense, through the III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF), provided two C-130s to assist the Philippines Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Philippines Office of Civil Defense, and USAID in delivering 15,000 DSWD food packs to affected families.

Last week, USAID partnered with the Philippines Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the International Organization for Migration to provide emergency shelter for more than 5,000 affected persons.  USAID also supported the World Food Programme to transport DSWD food packs to 65,000 families.

The United States government issued a “Declaration of Humanitarian Need” on February 8 that will facilitate support for the Philippine government’s response efforts in Mindanao.

“We are proud to partner with the Philippine government to support the immediate needs of Mindanaoans in the areas hardest hit by the flooding and landslides,” said USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn.  “This support will help ensure that food and other life-saving supplies reach communities most in need.”

“Support to our Allies and partners, and their people in a time of need, is a non-negotiable,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Roger Turner, the III MEF commanding general.  “Working in direct coordination with USAID and the Government of the Philippines, we stand ready to support those who need urgent assistance.”

Between January 28 and February 2, extensive rainfall in Mindanao caused significant flooding and landslides, impacting nearly 1.2 million people.  An estimated 795,000 people were displaced with more than 97,600 people sheltering in 380 evacuation centers across Mindanao.

USAID works year-round to help communities in the Philippines prepare for and be more resilient to natural disasters. The United States will continue to partner with the Philippine government to respond to natural disasters and support the people of the Philippines in their recovery efforts.