SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) sets out its contingent through BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), its largest offshore patrol vessel, to promote safety of life and property at sea within the Philippines.
The BRP Gabriela Silang, which was turned over to the Philippine government on December 20, 2019, is an 84-meter vessel designed to fulfill the PCG’s mandates which encompass maritime law enforcement, maritime search and rescue, maritime security, maritime safety, and marine environmental protection.
“We, the Philippine Coast Guard through this vessel are committed to serve our fellow countrymen through search and rescue operations during calamities,” said Coast Guard INS John Manuel Ramos, III, auxiliary officer of BRP Gabriela Silang.
Ramos added, “Our team is currently deployed to Basco, Batanes for the installation and lighting of lantern, but due to bad weather, we are here in La Union.”
The offshore patrol vessel has the capability to transport approximately 500 people at one time and functions beyond its contractual specification of 20 knots of speed.
“This vessel was made by OCEA. Since it is made up with aluminum, hindi siya immediately na magkakaroon ng rust kumpara sa bakal,” said the PCG official.
He added, “Ang budget nito is around P5 billion kasama ang tatlong maliliit na 24-meter na barko and this includes five year warranty for immediate small repairs.”
BRP Gabriel Silang, known for its excellent seakeeping ability and maneuverability, has a range of 8,000 nautical miles at 15 knots and an endurance of up to five weeks of continuous operations.
The PCG envisions itself as a world-class sea guardian by 2028 to save lives, ensure safe maritime transport and cleaner seas, and secure maritime jurisdiction. (JCR/AMB/KJCR, PIA La Union)
