Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Malapascua (MRRV–4403) today, March 7 officially entered Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) service. PCG said the vessel was commissioned into service by the Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Atty. Arthur P Tugade.
She, named after Lighthouse Malapascua Island in Cebu, is the third of 10 ordered Parola-class Multi-role Response Vessel (MRRV) from Japan Marine United. BRP Tubbataha (MRRV-4401) and BRP Malabrigo (MRRV-4402), the first and second Parola-class vessels were commissioned to coast guard service, October 2016 and December 2016, respectively.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the 17th Congress, Honorable Pantaleon D. Alvarez as Guest of Honor and Speaker at Headquarters Philippine Coast Guard in Manila earlier today.
“As a tradition, a vessel is being commissioned to grant her an identity to belong to a service and to authorize her to perform the mandated mission of the agency, fly the national ensign, jack flag and the commission penant,” PCG said.
The Philippine government has ordered 10 vessels from Japan through the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) Phase I funded by loan from Japan International Corporation Agency. Deliveries are expected every quarter until completion of 10 units in 2018.
According to MSCIP, these vessels will act as (1) “primary rescue vessels within the PCG District’s areas of responsibility (AOR) when the extent of the disaster is beyond the capability of floating assets deployed within the area.”
The MRRVs will also (2) assist in controlling oil pollution and protection of the marine environment. (3) These vessels will also enforce applicable maritime laws within the designated AOR, particularly relating to illegal fishing and sea patrol. The vessels will provide (4) service as platform for rapid response during relief operations in the area, and (5) transport of personnel and logistical support.
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