First 94-meter multi-role response vessels (MMRVs) launched

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The first of two (2) 94-meter multi-role response vessels (MMRVs) acquired by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) under the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project Phase II (MSCIP Phase 2) has been launched at the Shimonoseki Shipyard of Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. in Japan today, 26 July 2021.

The two MRRVs will be the largest vessels of the PCG’s fleet, once delivered. These MRRV's modeled after the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Kunigami-class vessels are expected to improve the PCG's maritime security and maritime safety capabilities.

Each of the new MRRVs measure approximately 94 meters, has a maximum speed of not less than 24 knots, and an endurance of not less than 4,000 nautical miles. The ships are capable of conducting sustained maritime patrols in the country’s maritime jurisdictions, including the West Philippine Sea and Philippine Rise.

In addition, the two vessels will significantly boost the capabilities of the PCG in conducting maritime search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.

Through the accelerated construction of the Japanese shipbuilder, the first 94-meter MRRV is expected to arrive in Manila by March 2022, while the second vessel will arrive two months later or by May 2022.

 

The addition of the two new MRRVs to the PCG’s fleet is welcomed by DOTr Secretary Arthur P. Tugade who stressed that the acquisition of new vessels is a breakthrough towards the government's thrust of modernizing and upgrading the country's maritime safety and border protection.

“The modernization of Philippine Coast Guard has been going fast and quick and very meaningful. In fact, in this effort to make it quick, fast, and very meaningful, the government of Japan has contributed very much. And to which I express my appreciation for your continued support,” Secretary Tugade said.

The new vessels, according to the DOTr Secretary, will be of great help in responding to maritime incidents in the country's waters and exclusive economic zone (EEZ), such as in the conduct of search and rescue operations and maritime security patrols, as well as in the enforcement of marine environmental laws, among others.

For his part, PCG Commandant, Admiral George V Ursabia Jr noted that the addition of the two MRRVs – the biggest in the fleet – is a big stride in strengthening the country’s maritime security and maritime safety capabilities.

“We are making a milestone, not just for the Department of Transportation and Philippine Coast Guard, but also for the Philippines – acquiring the first-ever biggest ship for the Coast Guard. It is a 94-meter multi-role response vessel. It is a big stride in the development of our country in the context of maritime security and maritime safety,” Admiral Ursabia expressed.

The MSCIP Phase 2 is a Japanese-assisted project funded by an Official Development Assistance (ODA) Loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) amounting to approximately JPY 16,455,000,000 (JPY 16.5 billion).

The contract between the DOTr and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. for the design, construction, and delivery of the two 94-meter MRRVs amounting to JPY 14,550,000,000 (JPY 14.6 billion) was signed on 27 December 2019 and became effective on 08 May 2020.

Inauguration of Metro Manila Bike Lane Network

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The establishment of dedicated, safe, and quality bike lanes is finally complete as the Department of Transportation (DOTr), together with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), formally inaugurated today, 27 July 2021, the Metro Manila Bike Lane Network – the country’s longest bike lane network to date.
The bike lane network in Metro Manila has an overall length of 313 kilometers and cuts through 12 cities: Pasig, Marikina, Quezon City, Caloocan, Manila, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Makati, Pasay, Las Piñas, Parañaque, and Taguig. The lanes also measure between 1.5 to 3 meters in width depending on the road's configuration.

The Metro Manila Bike Lane Network forms part of the completed 497 kilometers of bike lanes created in Metro Cebu and in Metro Davao.

“Ngayon, may lugar na para sa ating mga siklista dito sa ating pangunahing kalsada. Malaking hakbang po ito nang sa ganoon ay mabago natin ang nakagawiang sistema at maitanim natin ang kultura, disiplina at kaayusan sa ating kalsada,” said DOTr Secretary Art Tugade in his message delivered by DOTr Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor.

In his message, the transport chief clarified that no orange traffic cones were used as lane separators on the bike lanes as falsely claimed by critics of the project.

The transportation chief pointed out that the Metro Manila bike lanes use concrete delineators and flexible rubber bollards to separate the bikers from motor vehicles. The bike lanes also make use of white and green pavement markings using thermoplastic paint, bollards bolted to the ground, bike symbols and signages, solar-powered road studs, and bike racks.

Asec. Pastor added that the bike lanes maximize road space as these can accommodate 1,250 cyclists per hour for every meter of road space.

Meanwhile, the transport official also shared that other parts of Metro Manila will also have their own bike lanes soon.

“For the national government, meron pa po tayong tinatawag na South NCR bike lanes, which was recently procured by DPWH together with DOTr. Ito po ay nasa Las Piñas, Muntinlupa at Parañaque. Ang intensyon po natin dito is we will connect these three cities po dito sa existing bike lanes para interconnected po talaga at magamit ng ating mga kababayan, not only for social activities but also as a form of transportation going to and from work,” Asec. Pastor said.

For his part, DPWH Secretary Mark Villar said the bike lanes will be of great help to workers and commuters in Metro Manila who took to active transport in going to their workplaces and other destinations amid the pandemic.

“The role of public transportation is crucial to both the mobility of workers and the economic stability of the country. Born out of the resourcefulness and dedication of workers despite the pandemic, active transportation such as cycling became the obvious solution,” Sec. Villar said in his message read by DPWH-NCR Regional Director Eric Ayapana.

The creation of the bike lanes was also lauded by House Transportation Committee Chairman and Samar First District Representative Edgar Sarmiento.

“Inuna po ng Kamara ang imprastraktura at transportasyon na mapa sa susunod na 30 years na dire-diretso na po sana. Isa pong ehemplo ang bicycle lane at bus na modified lang po dahil may restrictions tayo dahil sa sitwasyon,” said Sarmiento during the inauguration.

Meanwhile, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Metro Manila Council (MMC) likewise expressed their support and commitment to the project as they cited the presence of bike lanes in the National Capital Region as a "game changer."

“Because of this bike lane, it’s a game-changer. It will change everything – the mindset of everything. This is really a great project,” MMDA Chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. said.

“Binabati ko ang DOTr at DPWH for a very great project na pakikinabangan po ng taumbayan for safety. Kaya magkakaroon ng encouragement at mahikayat po silang gumamit ng bike lanes,” MMC Chairman and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, for his part, said.

Virtual inauguration of the completed Cantilan Port development projects

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

An impressive and more spacious Cantilan Port will greet passengers and shippers in Surigao del Sur after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) have completed the port’s development projects that will not only benefit travelers but also traders and businesses.

During the virtual inauguration of the completed Cantilan Port development projects on Thursday, 05 August 2021, DOTr Secretary Art Tugade cited the important role played by improved transport facilities such as the Cantilan Port as they address connectivity and mobility needs, while ensuring the promotion of equitable and inclusive growth in the areas of employment, trade, and investments.

The development projects at the Cantilan Port cover the construction of its Reinforced Concrete (RC) Pier, back-up area, and a port lighting system.

“Maraming benepisyo ‘yan. Mayroong employment potentials. Nagkakaroon ka rin ng convenient mobility. Napalawak ‘yung puerto, mga kargamentong pisikal, ‘yung mga semento at kargamento mas madali at mas malawak ang kilos mo diyan. In other words, makakadagdag sa negosyo mo ‘yan. Kung mayroon kang pasilidad na ganito at magiging mas malawak ang objectives mo, magkakaroon ka rin ng connectivity,” Sec. Tugade explained during the virtual inauguration.

“Yung pagbihaye from one point to another mas OK. Kung pinaguusapan ang connectivity, ‘yun po ang hangarin natin kaya binabago natin at naglalagay tayo ng continuing improvements upang sa ganun yung objective na mobility and connectivity ay mapalawak,” he added.

With the development projects completed, the improved and expanded Cantilan Port can now handle at least 25,000 to 30,000 bags of cement shipments a month and carry twice the current cargo volume, according to Sec. Tugade.

“Nadoble ang kapasidad ng Cantilan Port, na kung saan pati yung mga kapitbahay na lugar kagaya ng Carascal, Madrid, Carmen at Lanuza ay nakikinabang na rin,” Sec. Tugade explained.

As a result of the development projects, passengers at the Cantilan Port will no longer have to suffer also the poorly-maintained facilities and inconvenient travel experience.

Meanwhile, PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago mentioned that the agency has a lot in store for the Caraga Region as they eye to complete ongoing projects in other ports, such as Masao, Nasipit, Lipata, as well as the Jubang Cruise Terminal and cargo terminal in Siargao, and the Port of Donya Helene also in Siargao.

“Tuluy-tuloy ang pag-improve natin sa mga pasilidad natin dito sa CARAGA Region. Sisikapin po natin na bago matapos ang termino ng ating Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte ay marami po tayong nakumpletong proyekto for the convenience and comfort of our fellow Filipinos,” GM Santiago said.