PCG's New Vessel BRP Melchora Aquino Arrives in Manila

03 Juni 2022

BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) (photo : PCG)

As the Duterte administration marks its last 29 days today, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) celebrate and rejoice the arrival of the second 97-meter multi-role response vessel (MRRV), commissioned as the BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702).

After days of safe voyage from Japan, the arrival yesterday of the BRP Melchora Aquino is another testament to the relentless initiative of the government in modernizing the PCG’s fleet. 

Similar to the first MRRV, the BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701), the BRP Melchora Aquino is modeled after the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Kunigami-class vessel. It also has a maximum speed of not less than 24 knots and an endurance of not less than 4,000 nautical miles. The MMRV-9702 is likewise capable of conducting sustained maritime patrols in the country’s maritime jurisdictions, including the West Philippine Sea and Philippine Rise.

The largest PCG vessels to date, the two MRRVs are under the DOTr’s Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) Phase II – a Japanese-assisted project funded by an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

True to his covenant with the Filipino people to work until the last day of the Duterte administration, DOTr Secretary Art Tugade endlessly pursues the government’s continuing efforts to improve PCG assets and its modernization program.

Rest assured that the DOTr will continue to fulfill the mandate of giving the Filipino people a more comfortable and convenient life, even beyond the Duterte administration’s term.

(DOTr)