U.S. Donates Vessel Repair Equipment to Strengthen PCG
By: Nonnette C. Bennett, photos courtesy of US Embassy
Manila, Philippines—The U.S. government, through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), donated Php1.9 million ($34,500) worth of equipment to the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) Fleet Maintenance and Repair Group (MRG) Workshop in Sangley Point, Cavite on August 18. The donation enhance the PCG’s ability to maintain and repair vessels, according to a news release 22 August 2025.
Coast Guard Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Rommel Supangan said, “This activity is another important step in our capability buildup to provide the necessary equipment for our MRG,” during the turnover ceremony. He welcomed this support as a meaningful step forward in the cooperation between the PCG and the U.S. Embassy to promote maritime security.
“INL pledged to continue supporting the MRG as they operationalize their maintenance facility and address vessel sustainment requirements comprehensively across the Coast Guard Fleet. This transfer of essential equipment and backup power supply will enable a broader and more effective equipment repair program,” U.S. Embassy INL Director Kate Riche said.
The PCG’s 400-square-meter Fleet MRG Workshop in Sangley Point worth Php54-million ($950,000) funded by the U.S. Department of Defense was inaugurated in May 2024 as a joint initiative among INL, the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group Philippines, and the PCG to enhance maintenance and repair capability for small boats and systems aboard larger patrol vessels, complementing the MRG facility in the Manila Port Area. The INL funded its design and outfitting in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard.
Other support projects from the U.S. agencies are in the planning for PCG vessel maintenance efforts in the coming year through technical training programs, maintenance and logistic systems planning, and equipment donations for vessel operating stations. – Nonnette Bennett with reports from the U.S. Embassy.
Left: Rear Admiral Rommel Supangan and INL Director Kate Riche sign a donation agreement for U.S.-donated equipment to the PCG Fleet Maintenance Workshop in Cavite.
Right: Rear Admiral Supangan and INL Director Riche discuss PCG vessel maintenance during a workshop tour in Cavite.
