The Philippines has approved the purchase of 40 fast patrol craft (FPC) valued at P25.8 billion (US$441 million) to strengthen its maritime security as tensions with Beijing in the South China Sea continue to escalate.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, chairing the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, gave the green light for the acquisition during a meeting on November 5 at Malacañang Palace.
This acquisition, which will be funded through assistance from the French government, is designed to enhance the nation’s defense capabilities and disaster response capacity, according to NEDA following the board meeting.
The Department of Transportation and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will oversee the FPC project, which involves acquiring 40 patrol craft, integrated logistics support, and additional equipment for PCG bases.
The plan calls for France to build the first 20 patrol boats, while the remaining 20 will be constructed locally in the Philippines. France will also provide logistical support for the vessels and for equipment across six PCG bases.
The new patrol boats will significantly boost the country’s capacity to carry out search and rescue missions, protect the environment, enforce maritime laws, and respond to natural disasters.
“This project aligns with the government’s objective of enhancing maritime security by upgrading the capabilities of institutions such as the Philippine Coast Guard,” said NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.
“The new FPCs will help deter smuggling and illegal activities while ensuring the enforcement of maritime sovereignty in critical marine areas,” he added.
With ongoing maritime security challenges in the South China Sea, the new patrol boats will play a vital role in securing Philippine territorial waters. This acquisition further demonstrates the nation’s commitment to modernizing its coast guard and safeguarding its exclusive economic zone.
The Marcos administration has vowed to supporting modernization efforts, particularly to strengthen security in the country’s maritime territories.
In recent years, Chinese vessels have repeatedly harassed Philippine boats in the West Philippine Sea, which lies within the country’s 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration affirming the area as part of Manila’s sovereign waters.
In addition to the patrol craft, NEDA also approved several other initiatives focused on improving maritime security and flood management. It approved extensions and funding increases for two major flood-control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways.
The Cavite Industrial Area-Flood Risk Management Project (CIA-FRMP) and the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project, Phase IV (PMRCIP IV), will both receive additional funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. NEDA extended the CIA-FRMP’s timeline through September 2029, with the project’s budget now increased to P22.03 billion.
This initiative aims to manage flood risks in Imus, Noveleta, Rosario, Kawit, and General Trias in the province of Cavite by updating the San Juan River Basin and Maalimango Creek.
The revised scope includes modifying the San Juan Diversion Channels, creating new drainage channels, adjusting bridge designs, constructing a sluice gate, and incorporating other flood-control measures.
For the PMRCIP IV, NEDA extended the timeline to March 2031 and raised the project budget to P57.7 billion, up from P33.1 billion. This project will focus on constructing dikes, flood gates, and dredging infrastructure to improve flood management in the middle Marikina River area.
Furthermore, the plan calls for the installation of drainage facilities, construction of the Marikina Control Gate Structure, addition of two floodgates, and land acquisition for the necessary improvements.
“The changes in scope and design of our flood-control projects take into account stronger typhoons and changes in rainfall patterns, thereby strengthening our resilience to weather-related disasters,” Balisacan explained.
“These adjustments will help mitigate the severe economic and social impacts of flooding in the NCR (National Capital Region) and CALABARZON (located southeast of Metro Manila) which have consistently affected the country’s economic performance,” he added.
Meanwhile, NEDA also approved the Philippine International Exhibition Center project, led by the Philippine Reclamation Authority, with a budget of P27 billion. This project aims to bolster the country’s ability to host major events such as international exhibitions, conventions, and trade shows.
Aligned with the National Tourism Development Plan, the center will cater to the growing demand for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism, positioning the Philippines as a key player in hospitality and MICE tourism in Southeast Asia.
Photo credit: iStock/ Andrey Kulagin
