The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the United States government formally launched a P140-million maritime cooperation program Friday, aimed at significantly enhancing the operational readiness and 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.

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 US

Gavan expressed gratitude to the US for its “unwavering support” to the Philippines’ maritime security, noting the initiative strengthens professionalism and interoperability within the PCG.

Under the program, more than 110 courses and on-the-job training opportunities will be offered to PCG officers at USCG training centers and operational units in the US Concurrently, 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 focus areas include technical courses on vessel operations and maintenance, development of PCG instructors, and embedded on-the-job training aboard USCG vessels. USCG advisors will also assist the PCG in refining its doctrines, procedures, and curriculum related to training and fleet maintenance.

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

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

In other developments, the PCG successfully rescued 16 individuals aboard a distressed motor launch off the coast of Panamao, Sulu, after the vessel suffered engine failure and began drifting near Capual Island.

The rescue was confirmed Friday by the Coast Guard Station (CGS) Eastern Sulu, which reported that 11 crew members and five passengers aboard the motor launch NIESAH were safely recovered following a prompt search and rescue operation on Wednesday, 15 October.

The vessel was traveling from Jolo, Sulu, to Kawit, Zamboanga City, when it reportedly struck floating debris, damaging its propeller and causing a total engine malfunction.

Upon receiving the distress call, CGS Eastern Sulu immediately mobilized search and rescue teams, locating the vessel adrift near Gujangan Island, Panamao. The PCG safely towed the NIESAH to Allayon Port in Luuk, Sulu, where all rescued individuals were reported to be in good health.

The PCG stated the operation demonstrated its commitment to maritime safety and the protection of lives at sea. The local unit acknowledged the swift coordination between Coast Guard units and the strong support of the local community, which was crucial to the operation’s success. CGS Eastern Sulu urged vessel operators to conduct thorough safety checks and maintenance before voyages.