On February 10, the United States turned over a newly constructed assault boat pier and maintenance bay facility in Ternate, Cavite to the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) as part of a small-scale construction Foreign Military Financing (FMF) grant.
The newly completed facility in Ternate is one of three FMF construction projects, valued overall at Php256.9 million ($5 million). The two others are in Zamboanga, delivered in November 2021, and in Puerto Princesa, expected to be completed in the coming weeks. PMC conducted final inspection and acceptance of the Ternate facility on January 26.
As delivered, the Ternate structures include a boat ramp, jetty with landing pad, pier, access road, and maintenance bay. The facilities will be used primarily by the Assault Boat Battalion as well as other tenant commands co-located at the Marine Base Gregorio Lim. The missions of these boat battalions are to conduct sea-to-shore amphibious operations and maritime interdiction boardings at sea.
“The PMC is a driving force in our shared vision for enhanced maritime security in the region. This project displays the collective commitment of our nations to invest in long-term, shared success,” said U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava. “I look forward to seeing the PMC’s modernization and the strengthening of maritime security within Philippine waters and throughout the region.”
“Surely, this endeavor testifies of the bond of trust and friendship between the Philippines and the United States, and of our shared interest in regional cooperation and mutual capability development,” said PMC Deputy Commandant Brig. Gen. Raul Jesus Caldez.
In the past two years, the United States has provided $110 million (Php5.65 billion) in grant assistance through FMF, specifically to support the Philippines’ sovereignty and modernization efforts.
For more information about the U.S.’ security assistance to the Philippines, visit https://ph.usembassy.gov/fact-sheet-u-s-philippines-defense-and-security-partnership/.
