PH, Japan Exchange Notes on the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) Phase III 

Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo and Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya sign and exchange diplomatic notes on the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) Phase III for the Philippine Coast Guard.

MANILA 17 May 2024 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo and Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya led the signing and exchange of diplomatic notes ceremony for the Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan for the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) Phase III of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The MSCIP 3 involves the acquisition of five (5) additional units of 97-meter offshore patrol capable Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRV) coupled with the development of the required support facilities for the PCG, and is valued at sixty-four billion three hundred and eighty million Japanese Yen (JPY 64.38 billion or approximately PhP 23.85 billion). This will support the PCG in improving its capabilities for maritime operations particularly in addressing transnational crimes.

In his brief remarks, Secretary Manalo extended the Philippines’ appreciation to the Government of Japan for its unwavering commitment to the development of the Philippines. “This occasion signifies not only the deepening of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Japan but also underscores our unwavering commitment to enhance our maritime safety capabilities for the benefit of our nation and the broader maritime community.” he added.

Witnessing the signing ceremony were officials from the Department of Finance, the Department of Transportation, the Philippine Coast Guard and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Japan is the Philippines’ top bilateral ODA partner, with its long history of support for Philippine development priorities spanning infrastructure, health, human resources, agriculture, education, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, among many others. The Philippines and Japan will celebrate the 68th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic relations on 23 July 2024. END