The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is set to receive 40 fast patrol crafts (FPCs) from France, following the purchase approval of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the board meeting of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on Tuesday.

“The acquisition of 40 units of fast patrol boats, as an ODA [Official Development Assistance] project is approved,” said President Marcos, chairman of the NEDA Board, during the meeting at the Malacañan Palace.

Of the 40 units, 20 will be assembled in the Philippines, aligning with Bagong Pilipinas initiative to enhance maritime security by upgrading the PCG’s capabilities.

The project, funded through a P25.8-billion ODA from the French government, marks a significant investment in strengthening the country’s maritime defense.

During a press briefing on Thursday, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gavan said the acquisition of the 40 fast patrol crafts is the largest single-purchase for the modernization of the Coast Guard, calling it a “game-changer.”

“It is the largest, so far, single-purchase in the modernization of the Philippine Coast Guard. It is a game-changer for us. It will enable the Philippine Coast Guard to have at least two patrol boats in every district, fast enough to reach edges of our socio-economic zone forms to enforce the laws,” he said.

Some of the vessels will be deployed to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as part of the PCG’s “mix of capabilities” to address security threats in Philippine waters, Gavan said.

The vessels are expected to enhance the drive against smuggling, drug trafficking, piracy, illegal fishing, and other forms of maritime crime.

“All forms of maritime crimes because enforcement of laws require us to be there. So, we need boats. This will also be engaged in search and rescue, and environmental protection and surveillance operations,” Gavan said.

“Giving protection to our fishermen is a fundamental duty of the coast guard. That can be part of the task of the coast guard through these boats. But not only securing our fishermen, ginagawa naman natin ‘yan kahit wala pa itong 35-meter patrol boats,” he added.

The patrol crafts are also expected to support socio-economic development by aiding in the transport of goods and personnel during calamities and disasters, benefitting both national and local governments. | PND