Navy ship BRP Jose Rizal to be launched in May —PHL Navy

Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said on Monday that the country's frigate BRP Jose Rizal which is being constructed in South Korea will be launched in May.

"Ibig sabihin ng launching ng first frigate is 'yung barko ay tapos na 'yung ginagawa sa kanya sa dry dock, so ibaba siya and magpo-float na siya sa dagat from the dock of the shipyard," Empredad said in an interview in DWDD.

"Makikita natin sa May 14 na buo na 'yung ating first frigate, ang tinatawag nating BRP Jose Rizal," he added, noting that the keel laying for the second frigate which will be named BRP Antonio Luna shall follow.

Empredad said that aside from attending the scheduled launching, he and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana will also check the corvette or the small warship vessel that will be donated by South Korea to the Philippines.

The Navy official also mentioned that two anti-submarine warfare helicopters are expected to arrive in the country in May, as well as four amphibious assault vehicles for the marines.

"Pagdating ng Navy Anniversary we have so many capabilities that will be blessed and be commissioned in the naval service," Empredad said.

The Philippine Navy will be celebrating its 121st anniversary on May 22, 2019.

Empredad, however, acknowledged that the Philippine Navy is currently trying to address the challenge on the lack of enough facilities to house the newly-procured warfare equipment.

"'Yun ang challenge na hinaharap ngayon ng ating Philippine Navy, because nung namili tayo ng ating mga capabilities we failed to address, to look into the attendant requirement... 'yun ang pini-prepare namin," he said.

He added that the Philippine Navy is looking for fund sources in order to build additional parking spaces for ships, landing docks, piers, and hangars.

Training and integrated logistics systems are also being developed for the new maritime equipment.

The navy modernization program is projected to last until 2028, according to Empredad. —Dona Magsino/ LDF, GMA News