THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday witnessed the loan signing between the Department of Finance (DOF) and the government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), for the funding of five new vessels that are expected to improve the maritime capability of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said the funding agreement between the Philippines' finance department and JICA for the Phase 3 of the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) will serve as a morale booster for the PCG.

"Being able to protect our fishermen inside our EEZ and enhance our patrol and disaster-response capability serve to buttress the Coast Guardians' courage and spirit," Secretary Bautista said during the signing ceremony for the 64.38 billion Yen worth loan.

The five new 97-meter multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) under the MSCIP Phase 3 are in addition to the existing 12 Japanese-made vessels, including BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Gabriela Silang, bringing to 17 the total number of new vessels under the PCG fleet.

"These Japan-made multi-role vessels would be crucial for PCG's strategic response to tensions at the West Philippine Sea," Sec. Bautista said.

"These modern assets have been long expected. This will certainly boost the moral support of Filipinos to our frontliners," he added.