His Excellency Kazuya Endo, Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines; Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista; Mr. Takema Sakamoto, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency in the Philippines; Commandant Coast Guard Admiral Ronnie Gavan; fellow workers in government; distinguished guests: Good afternoon.

Let me begin by extending my utmost gratitude to the people and the government of Japan for being a reliable ally of the Philippines in strengthening our maritime security.

As you know, the brave men and women of the Philippine Coast Guard face a daunting mission every day.

The Philippine archipelago has a coastline nearly twice that of the United States. Without effective patrol, our territorial seas are open to poachers and intruders who take from us resources that should be benefitting the Filipino people.

It is, therefore, critical to fully equip the PCG with cutting-edge vessels to fulfill its mission as the guardian of our seas—protecting our maritime sovereignty and defending the rights of Filipino fisherfolks.

The Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project with Japan, through JICA, has been instrumental in enhancing the PCG’s capabilities to effectively safeguard the waters under our care.

Twelve multi-role response vessels have been so far provided to us under favorable terms during the first and second phases of the project.

We are very glad to advance this project in its third phase, adding five new 97-meter top-of-the-line multi-role response vessels to the PCG’s fleet.

These vessels will dramatically enhance the PCG’s ability to prevent piracy, protect the environment, counter smuggling, and immediately respond to search and rescue operations.

They will not only help strengthen our national security, but also complement our broader infrastructure modernization program to spur rapid inclusive growth.

In essence, these vessels will help steer us toward the safe harbors of economic security and prosperity for the Filipino people.

With this, I have to once again thank the Government of Japan for its solidarity and relentless support for our people.

Together, let us continue building ships that will strengthen our bonds and sail us faster and further towards a better future for the Filipino nation.

Mabuhay po kayo, at mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas!