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PH Red Cross donates ship to PCG
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has officially turned over its humanitarian vessel, the MV PRC Amazing Grace, to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in a ceremony held at the Coast Guard Fleet Parade Ground, Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila on Tuesday.
In a press statement, the PRC said that the ship will enhance its capabilities in maritime search and rescue, law enforcement, safety, and environmental protection.
“The vessel is in the best hands with the Philippine Coast Guard. With their trained personnel and a force of over 30,000, they can ensure it operates efficiently—keeping it mission-ready at all times to serve the Filipino people,” said PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon.
The PRC emphasized that the Philippines, as an archipelagic nation, faces unique challenges in disaster response, particularly in transporting aid to remote islands—an issue highlighted during Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. In response, Gordon sought support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to acquire a vessel capable of transporting relief supplies, personnel, and emergency units to inaccessible areas.
Originally built as MV Susitna for the US Office of Naval Research, the 195-foot vessel was designed to test advanced maritime capabilities. Acquired by the PRC in 2017, it was repurposed for relief transport, medical deployment, sea rescue, and mass evacuation, with its first major deployment during Typhoon Rolly in 2020.
However, as PRC expanded its disaster response through regional hubs and prepositioned supplies, reliance on maritime transport decreased. Recognizing this shift, the PCG proposed acquiring the vessel, but PRC ultimately chose to donate it—solidifying their long-standing partnership. Under PCG command, the ship will take on an expanded role in national disaster response, search and rescue, and environmental protection.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan expressed gratitude to PRC, and said that the vessel will be fully utilized to protect Filipino communities and the country’s maritime domain. — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA Integrated News
