The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the United States government formally launched a P140-million maritime cooperation program on 17 October, aimed at enhancing the operational readiness and strengthening law enforcement capabilities of the PCG Fleet.

The ceremonial launch was held aboard the BRP Gabriela Silang at the Port Area in Manila, led by PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan and US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, on Friday. 

Funded by the US Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), and implemented through the US Coast Guard (USCG), the three-year initiative will provide extensive training and advisory support to PCG personnel both in the Philippines and the United States.

Gavan said the initiative not only enhances capacity but also strengthens the foundation of professionalism and interoperability within the PCG. 

He then thanked the US for its “unwavering support” to the Philippines’ maritime security.

Under the program, more than 110 courses and on-the-job training opportunities will be made available to PCG officers at USCG training centers and operational units in the US.

Meanwhile, nearly 60 formal courses and expert-led engagements will be conducted in the Philippines to boost the PCG’s local training and maintenance capabilities.

Key areas of focus include technical courses on vessel operations and maintenance, the development of PCG instructors, and embedded on-the-job training aboard USCG vessels and at fleet support facilities.

USCG advisors will also assist the PCG in refining its doctrines, procedures, and curriculum related to training and fleet maintenance.

Ambassador Carlson emphasized that the initiative is an investment in people and long-term institutional capacity, not just hardware.

“USCG personnel will work alongside their Philippine counterparts during maintenance and training cycles, building peer-to-peer trust and shared expertise,” she said.

“Likewise, PCG officers will train at US facilities to deepen leadership and technical skills that will help maintain an increasingly sophisticated fleet,” she further stressed. 

The program is described as the “next phase” of the enduring maritime partnership between the Philippines and the United States, anchored on a shared commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Gavan noted that the initiative builds on a longstanding collaboration that has included previous US support in training, maintenance planning, and equipment donations.