PCG, Spain Explore Maritime Cooperation, Modernization, and Training Exchanges

08 September 2026

Officials from Airbus Defense and Space and the Spanish Embassy proposed C-295 maritime surveillance aircraft for the PCG (photo: PCG)

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) welcomed the Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of Spain, Mr. John MacDonald, with Airbus Defence and Space representatives, through a courtesy visit at the PCG National Headquarters in Port Area, Manila, on September 2, 2026. 

Mr. MacDonald’s visit focused on opportunities for cooperation in support of the PCG’s ongoing modernization program. Among those are potential capability acquisitions, technological partnerships, and the exchange of expertise in maritime capabilities and infrastructure.

Both sides explored opportunities for training and capacity-building programs, including personnel exchanges, to improve the technical skills, professional competence, and operational readiness of PCG personnel.

The meeting also discussed the possible establishment of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) between the PCG and its Spanish maritime counterpart. The proposed MOC would build on the existing bilateral framework between the Philippines and Spain and strengthen cooperation through knowledge-sharing, best-practice exchanges, and long-term maritime collaboration.

The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of the PCG and Spain to strengthening maritime cooperation, developing capabilities, and enhancing personnel training for a safer, more secure, and resilient maritime domain.

(PCG)