THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will acquire 45 new ships to be delivered starting in 2027.
Speaking at a panel discussion during the Manila Dialogue on the South China Sea on Thursday, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the vessels will more than double the agency’s fleet.
“A few days ago, the President approved the acquisition of 40 ships from France. Just the previous month, he also approved the acquisition of five ships from Japan, along with a few others which will be built here locally,” Gavan said.
The new ships, including multi-role vessels, are part of an ongoing effort to strengthen the country’s maritime security infrastructure amid growing regional tensions and an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
In the same panel discussion, PCG spokesman on the West Philippine Sea Commo. Jay Tarriela said 20 of the ships will be built in France and 20 in the Philippines.
Tarriela said the Coast Guard has always prioritized local shipbuilding in its dealings with foreign governments and financial agencies.
“Whenever we talk to ODA (Official Development Assistance) countries that are going to fund the acquisition of vessels, we always push for local shipbuilders,” he said.
The Coast Guard had already made funding requests with Japan for 44-meter vessels through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), although the Japanese government decided to have the ships built in Japan.
The support for domestic shipbuilders is part of a broader strategy to foster economic growth and technological development within the country, although the decision to source construction locations ultimately depends on the funding countries, Tarriela said.
“For us to be strong, we have to address three things — capabilities, authorities and human resources,” Gavan said.
The PCG now has over 30,000 personnel, with plans to increase the number to 37,000 by the end of the year.
Gavan said a robust and well-trained workforce is critical to the PCG’s success in executing its mission.
The Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act are expected to be signed into law by the President soon.
The laws will not only define the Philippines’ maritime boundaries but will also give the Coast Guard greater authority to enforce national and international laws in Philippine waters, including the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Gavan also addressed the challenges posed by the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, which will designate specific sea routes for international shipping, potentially creating tensions between shipping economics and national security.
“We are not bullies. Filipinos are shaped by their forebears to be a peace-loving people,” he said.
Gavan expressed confidence in the ability of the Philippines and its regional partners to prevail in upholding maritime order.
“The rule of law must prevail. We believe that, with the help of our neighbors, our friends and our allies, we can prevail because we are on the right side of the road,” Gavan said.
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