DOTC eyes consultant for coast guard project

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is set to tap a Japanese consultant for the P8 billion maritime safety capability improvement project covering the purchase of 10 vessels for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The agency has invited three Japanese firms to submit proposals to provide consulting services, procurement assistance, and construction supervision for the project being funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Japanese firms that were invited include Shipbuilding Research Center of Japan Inc. (formerly Overseas Shipbuilding Cooperation Center ), Japan Marine Services Inc., and Fisheries Engineering Co. Ltd.

Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and JICA president Akihiko Tanaka inked a P7.94 billion loan package last December to fund the maritime safety capability improvement for the PCG.

Under the agreement, JICA would provide loans amounting to P7.94 billion to the Philippines to support the acquisition of 10 40-meter maritime vessels for the DOTC-PCG.

The 10 Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs) would be delivered to PCG and would be utilized flexibly all around the coastal areas in the Philippines including the following districts NCR-Central Luzon in Manila; Central Eastern Visayas in Cebu; South Western Mindanao in Zamboanga City; Palawan in Puerto Princesa City; Southern Tagalog in Batangas City; Western Visayas in Iloilo City; Northern Luzon in San Fernando, La Union; South Eastern Mindanao in Davao City; Bicol in Legaspi City; Northern Mindanao in Cagayan de Oro City; North Eastern Luzon in Appari City; and Eastern Visayas in Ormoc.

The project is aimed at further strengthening and developing PCG’s coast watch or patrol and search and rescue capabilities to enhance its capacity in complying with the country’s international commitments on maritime safety and security and maritime environmental protection.