Japan's Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Visits Coastguard and PNR HQ

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Japanese Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Keichi Ishii, received warm welcome from Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade during his visit at the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Headquarters, Sunday afternoon.

With Minister Ishii was Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda, and some 20 men delegation.

PCG Commandant Rear Admiral Elson Hermogino briefed the minister on their recent maritime accomplishments using the Multi Role Response Vessel (MRRV) acquired through the generosity of the Japanese government.

From responding to sea mishaps, extending relief efforts to calamity stricken areas and providing maritime patrol and security in Philippine waters, MRRV's play a huge role in ensuring that the PCG is able to carry out its mandate.

Minister Ishii was very pleased with the recent accomplishments of the PCG using the MRRV's.

"It is with great pleasure to see that Japan's ships provided a number of accomplishments. Japan is promoting peace in the pacific. To promote free pacific, we must strengthen maritime capablities,” said Ishii.

The PCG is expecting the delivery of two (2) 94 meter vessels in 2021. The arrival of these vessels will greatly improve the capacity and performance of the agency.

"We expect that with the coming of the 94 meter vessels from Japan, it will greatly enhance our performance. This will also ensure that all Japanese vessels passing Philippine waters will be guarded and protected", said Rear Admiral Hermogino.

For his part, Sec. Tugade assured the Japanese government that all vessels are in good hands.

"I'm sure that if we will take care of these ships, Japanese government will be inspired to give us more,” Tugade said.

After exchanging pleasantries on board BRP Capones, Tugade handed over a PCG Command Plaque to Minister Ishii.

Tugade also accompanied Minister Ishii and Ambassador Haneda in their visit at the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Tutuban Station.

Undersecretary for Railways TJ Batan, PNR Chairman Roberto Lastimoso, and PNR General Manager Junn Magno gave the Japanese dignitaries a tour in one of the trains donated by the Japanese government sometime 2011.

At the end of the tour, Minister Ishii and Ambassador Haneda were presented with a Comrade Award from the officials of the PNR in appreciation of Japan's unwavering support to the country's railway system.

Minister Ishii will again join Secretary Tugade in a meeting today, 30 April 2018 at the DOTr Office in Clark, Pampanga, and is expected to do a site visit at the NSCR Malolos station before he flies back to Tokyo on Tuesday, 1 May 2018.

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