PCG Welcomes Its 2nd Multi-Role Response Vessel from Japan

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday, rendered an arrival honor for the second Multi-Role Response Vessel – MALABRIGO (MMRV-4402) at the Headquarters Coast Guard Ready Force Pier 13.

Usec Felipe A. Judan, Undersecretary for Maritime Sector, Department of Transportation, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor and Speaker. The MMRV-4402 is the second of the ten 44-meter multi-role response vessels which was built and delivered by the Japan Marine United Corporation (JMUC) Yokohama shipyard in Japan.

She is named after the Malabrigo Point Lighthouse situated in Lobo, Batangas.

She will be an additional floating asset to the search and rescue vessels being utilized by the Philippine Coast Guard to further strengthen the agency’s capability in the performance of its mandated functions such as the maritime law enforcement, maritime security, maritime search and rescue, marine environmental protection, and maritime safety administration within the country’s maritime domain.

Faro de Punta de Malabrigo, is one of the 24 lighthouses erected in the Philippines during the course of the Spanish colonial period. In 2004, the Philippine Coast Guard signed an agreement with the Olympian swimmer and Lieutenant Commander of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) AKIKO THOMPSON and a local citizen organization “Friends of Malabrigo”, who adopted and helped in the restoration, development and preservation of the lighthouse.

Eight (8) more brand new MRRV’s will be built for the PCG and will also be named after the primary lighthouses in the country to denote its significance as one of the navigational aids in the maritime industry. (PCG/RJB/SDL/PIA-NCR)