The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has officially turned over its humanitarian vessel, MV PRC Amazing Grace, to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in a formal turnover ceremony held on March 18 at the Coast Guard Fleet Parade Ground, Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila.
The donation marked a significant boost to the PCG’s search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, environmental protection, and disaster response capabilities — critical functions in safeguarding the country’s waters and ensuring the safety of coastal communities.
Former senator and PRC Chairman Richard Gordon emphasized that transferring the vessel to the PCG ensures its optimal use in serving the Filipino people.
“The vessel is in the best hands with the Philippine Coast Guard. With their trained personnel and a force of over 30,000, they can ensure it operates efficiently — keeping it mission-ready at all times to serve the Filipino people,” he said.
Gordon noted that disaster response in the Philippines is uniquely challenging due to its archipelagic nature. The difficulty of delivering aid to remote islands was particularly evident during Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, when logistical constraints slowed relief operations.
To address this issue, Gordon sought assistance from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to acquire a dedicated humanitarian vessel capable of transporting relief goods, deploying medical teams, and conducting rescue operations in inaccessible areas.
The 195-foot vessel was originally built as the MV Susitna for the U.S. Office of Naval Research and designed as a prototype for advanced maritime operations.
After being acquired by the PRC in 2017, it was repurposed for disaster response, medical missions, sea rescues, and large-scale evacuations. Its first major deployment under PRC service took place during Typhoon Rolly in 2020.
Over time, however, the PRC expanded its disaster response network by establishing regional hubs and prepositioning relief supplies, reducing the need for maritime transport.
Acknowledging this operational shift, the PCG expressed interest in acquiring the vessel. However, instead of selling it, the PRC chose to donate the MV Amazing Grace, further strengthening its collaboration with the country’s Coast Guard.
The humanitarian vessel, MV Amazing Grace, donated by the Philippine Red Cross to the Philippine Coast Guard for disaster response and maritime missions.
Expanded role under PCG command
Now under PCG management, the MV Amazing Grace will serve a broader purpose in disaster response, maritime search and rescue, and environmental protection efforts.
During the turn-over ceremony, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan expressed gratitude to the PRC, underscoring the vessel’s importance in strengthening the Coast Guard’s capacity to safeguard communities and protect Philippine waters.
“This is very special for us. We recognize the national government support in our quest for a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines), where we have to bring public service right at the doorstep of every Filipino,” Gavan said.
The donated ship will serve as the PCG’s first-ever hospital ship, playing a crucial role in disaster response and humanitarian assistance. Gavan noted that the vessel’s multi-mission capability allows it to transport heavy cargo that cannot be delivered by air.
He also emphasized the deep partnership between the PCG and PRC, rooted in their shared commitment to humanitarian service.
“I like to highlight that the PCG and Red Cross has been brothers; we are one by the special kind of spirit of volunteerism. With both of our organizations being humanitarian organizations, the activity today actually affirms that Red Cross and PCG can go a long way — not only in serving the public but also in sharing the logistics we need,” he added.
The event was also attended by First Lady Liza Marcos, who serves as Auxiliary Vice Admiral of the PCG, along with Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.
Dizon lauded the donation as a symbol of respect and appreciation for the Coast Guard’s service. “These gracious acts of love and respect from the Red Cross to the PCG is really something,” he said.
The formal turnover followed the signing of the deed of donation on January 30, 2025, cementing the vessel’s transition to the PCG.
Strengthening PCG’s maritime response capabilities
With its new role under PCG command, the MV Amazing Grace is expected to be a vital asset in delivering medical and humanitarian aid to remote coastal areas. The vessel will also be essential in emergency response operations, particularly during natural disasters and public health crises.
Aside from receiving the MV Amazing Grace, the PCG also acquired additional equipment to bolster its operations.
At the same ceremony, Grab Philippines Incorporated donated two 8.8-meter Barracuda Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats. Facilitated by First Lady Marcos, these high-speed, durable vessels will enhance the PCG’s coastal patrols, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue efforts, and environmental protection programs.
Moreover, 100 units of STARLINK kits from Space Exploration Technologies Corp (SpaceX) were turned over to the PCG. These satellite communication systems will provide high-speed internet connectivity, enabling real-time communication between Coast Guard vessels and command centers, even in the most remote and isolated areas of the country.
All photos credit: Philippine Red Cross
Top photo: First Lady Liza Marcos (left), who also serves as PCG Auxiliary Vice Admiral, joins PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gavan (center) and Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon (right) in presenting a photo of the donated MV Amazing Grace during a turnover ceremony in Manila on March 18, 2025.
