Approximately two (2) months before the end of the Duterte Administration, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) conducts the formal commissioning of its first 97-meter multi-role response vessel (MRRV) into the Coast Guard service – the Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Teresa Magbanua, named after one of the strongest and bravest female warriors in Philippine history.

On behalf of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade leads the commissioning ceremony at Pier 15 within Port Area, City of Manila on May 6, 2022.

Japan Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Kazuhiko Koshikawa and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative Takema Sakamoto also grace today’s momentous event.

The BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) has a maximum speed of not less than 24 knots, an endurance of not less than 4,000 nautical miles, and is capable of conducting sustained maritime patrols in the country’s maritime jurisdictions.

It is modeled after the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Kunigami-class vessels and is expected to improve the PCG’s maritime security and maritime safety operations in the vast exclusive economic zone of the country.

The second 97-meter MRRV that will be commissioned as BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) is slated to arrive in Manila next month.

The BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) and BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) are part of the DOTr’s Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) Phase II to intensify the modernization of the PCG.