In order to promote goodwill amongst the local folk, the Naval Construction Brigade of the Philippine Navy and their American counterparts are building and repairing public school facilities this month as part of this year’s Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercises.
The students and teachers of Look National High School in Barangay Look, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, are now using a newly-constructed single-room school house due to the joint efforts of the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 of the US Navy and their Filipino counterparts, otherwise known as Seabees. In addition, the RP-US Seabees cooperated together to restore the school’s roofing to their original condition
The chosen beneficiary, Look National High School in Barangay Look, Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu, has a new single-room school house, thanks to the joint efforts of the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 of the US Navy and their Filipino counterparts, otherwise known as Seabees. In addition, the RP-US Seabees pooled their resources to restore the school’s roofing to their original condition.
This joint project by the Filipino and American Seabees improves the plight of more than 500 high school students and 12 teachers who are currently using insufficient facilities for their vastly increasing student population. Taking part in this project are 25 Philippine Navy Seabees from the Bonifacio Naval Station in Taguig City and 25 US Navy Seabees from their US Navy Base in Okinawa, Japan.
CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually between the Philippine Navy and the US Navy to enhance regional cooperation, promote understanding between participating military forces and continue to develop operational readiness of participating forces.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Philippine Navy Strategizes Future in Recent Seminar
The Philippine Navy recently concluded an Active Archipelagic Defense Strategy (AADS) Seminar Workshop at the Headquarters Philippine Navy, Roxas Boulevard, Manila last May 13 to 14, 2009. This activity strategizes the naval development that sets out the means and ways on how the Philippine Navy intends to evolve into the Navy of the future over the years.
With the theme: “Strategizing the Future Philippine Navy”, this seminar aims to define the future of the PN in the light of the country’s national interests at stake and the emerging maritime security environment. It also rationalizes the future of the PN force structure and its most effective force employment founded on the need to attain naval dominance in future battlespace. This also provides the necessary guidance to direct the efforts of the Navy to effectively undertake its directed mandate and how naval forces may be used to implement state domestic and foreign policies. In addition to these goals, the seminar also echoes the pronouncement by the AFP’s DSOM (Defense System of Management) to have a capability-based development of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and a strategy-driven management and employment of the country’s military force.
Attending this event are members of Philippine maritime security agencies, academe and other interested groups and individuals. They shall draw upon the perspectives, experience and expertise through facilitated plenary and focused group discussions.
The speakers include USEC Antonio Santos Jr., DND Undersecretary for Defense Affairs; ASEC Augusto J Mier, NSC Asst. Dir Gen for Security Policy; Doctor Clarita Carlos PhD of UP College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, Director Hjayceelyn Quintana, from DFA’s Office of Asia Pacific Affairs and Honorable Florencio Fianza, Special Envoy for Transnational Crimes.
Rear Admiral Danilo M Cortez AFP, the Vice Commander, Philippine Navy, culminates the seminar-workshop with a closing remark.
“We should develop the means and ordinance in drafting a naval strategy that can propel the Navy to its 2020 vision: a strong and credible navy our nation can be proud of,” Cortez said.
Cortez also said that there is going to be a number of difficulties and challenges ahead in transforming the Philippine Navy to be at par with our neighbors in the Southeast Asian region.
“In this regard, as we look forward to the Philippine Navy’s future, we must look with pride and confidence that the Navy will then be modernized and capable of ensured territorial defense operations,” Cortez added.
With the theme: “Strategizing the Future Philippine Navy”, this seminar aims to define the future of the PN in the light of the country’s national interests at stake and the emerging maritime security environment. It also rationalizes the future of the PN force structure and its most effective force employment founded on the need to attain naval dominance in future battlespace. This also provides the necessary guidance to direct the efforts of the Navy to effectively undertake its directed mandate and how naval forces may be used to implement state domestic and foreign policies. In addition to these goals, the seminar also echoes the pronouncement by the AFP’s DSOM (Defense System of Management) to have a capability-based development of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and a strategy-driven management and employment of the country’s military force.
Attending this event are members of Philippine maritime security agencies, academe and other interested groups and individuals. They shall draw upon the perspectives, experience and expertise through facilitated plenary and focused group discussions.
The speakers include USEC Antonio Santos Jr., DND Undersecretary for Defense Affairs; ASEC Augusto J Mier, NSC Asst. Dir Gen for Security Policy; Doctor Clarita Carlos PhD of UP College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, Director Hjayceelyn Quintana, from DFA’s Office of Asia Pacific Affairs and Honorable Florencio Fianza, Special Envoy for Transnational Crimes.
Rear Admiral Danilo M Cortez AFP, the Vice Commander, Philippine Navy, culminates the seminar-workshop with a closing remark.
“We should develop the means and ordinance in drafting a naval strategy that can propel the Navy to its 2020 vision: a strong and credible navy our nation can be proud of,” Cortez said.
Cortez also said that there is going to be a number of difficulties and challenges ahead in transforming the Philippine Navy to be at par with our neighbors in the Southeast Asian region.
“In this regard, as we look forward to the Philippine Navy’s future, we must look with pride and confidence that the Navy will then be modernized and capable of ensured territorial defense operations,” Cortez added.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Philippine Navy Recovers 12 Year Old “Emong” Casualty, Two Others Still Missing
A twelve year old girl identified as Milagrosa Viliran from Vani, Pangasinan reportedly drowned at the vicinity of Catubig river, Bolinao, Pangasinan due to typhoon “Emong”. Her lifeless body was found by Philippine Navy search and rescue team together with the victim’s relatives on May 9, 2009 at around 11 o’clock in the morning. The victim’s body was turned over to the Philippine National Police by members of the Naval Task Group 11.1 of the Naval Education and Training Command. The navy also conducted search efforts for two fish cage caretakers reportedly missing on same day Saturday May 9, 2009 in Bolinao, Pangasinan. The fishermen are still nowhere to be found.
Philippine Navy personnel also assisted members of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in packing of relief goods containing basic commodities such as rice and water intended for the affected populace of municipalities in Pangasinan. Philippine Navy units from Northern Luzon also sent on standby small ships, watercrafts, personnel and military trucks including Disaster Response Rescue and Naval Special Operations Group units to affected areas. Other units were also involved in clearing of typhoon debris. On Thursday, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. ordered military officials from Luzon specifically the Commander of Naval Forces Northern Luzon to extend emergency assistance to residents who may be affected by typhoon “Emong”.
Similarly, on May 2, 2009, at around 3 o’clock in the afternoon, Naval Forces Southern Luzon sent personnel and military trucks to municipality of Camalig, Albay and other areas in Bicol region affected by typhoon “Dante”. Organic personnel of the Naval Forces Southern Luzon command were able to assist some ninety-five (95) residents of Camalig municipality and evacuated from Camalig Municipal Hall to Baligang Evacuation Center located at Baligang Elementary School. Likewise, residents from Barangay Suwa and Karingay of same municipality were also evacuated to North Central School Evacuation Center also of Camalig, Albay.
Philippine Navy personnel also assisted members of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in packing of relief goods containing basic commodities such as rice and water intended for the affected populace of municipalities in Pangasinan. Philippine Navy units from Northern Luzon also sent on standby small ships, watercrafts, personnel and military trucks including Disaster Response Rescue and Naval Special Operations Group units to affected areas. Other units were also involved in clearing of typhoon debris. On Thursday, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. ordered military officials from Luzon specifically the Commander of Naval Forces Northern Luzon to extend emergency assistance to residents who may be affected by typhoon “Emong”.
Similarly, on May 2, 2009, at around 3 o’clock in the afternoon, Naval Forces Southern Luzon sent personnel and military trucks to municipality of Camalig, Albay and other areas in Bicol region affected by typhoon “Dante”. Organic personnel of the Naval Forces Southern Luzon command were able to assist some ninety-five (95) residents of Camalig municipality and evacuated from Camalig Municipal Hall to Baligang Evacuation Center located at Baligang Elementary School. Likewise, residents from Barangay Suwa and Karingay of same municipality were also evacuated to North Central School Evacuation Center also of Camalig, Albay.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
“Ocean Trust” Vessel hits by RPG
The west-bound container vessel “Ocean Trust” from General Santos City bound for Manila while at transit at vicinity waters of Milbuk, South Cotobato was fired by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) by two (2) motorized banca on 24 February 2009 at around 11 o’clock in the evening. The two (2) bancas were each manned by two (2) unidentified persons. The banca on the left side of the vessel missed their target while the other on the right side hit the king post of the ship which shattered the glass of the ship’s bridge or main control room. “Ocean Trust” evaded the two (2) bancas which continued chasing them by maneuvering in zigzag manner.
Visit of French Navy Ship FS Vendemiaire
The Frigate FS Vendemiaire of the French Navy with a helicopter onboard arrived at Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila for a goodwill visit on 18 March 2009, 10 o’clock in the morning. The ship skippered by CDR FREDERIC BENON with a complement of twelve (12) officers, sixty (60) petty officers and twenty (20) crew members will be here until 21 March 2009.
The French Navy was received by the Philippine Navy with appropriate honor. CDR BENON, the commanding officer of FS Vendemiaire and party will pay a courtesy call to VADM FERDINAND S GOLEZ AFP, the Flag Officer-in-Command, Philippine Navy.
Goodwill games and shipboard tour will be conducted to foster good relationship between two parties. Philippine Navy personnel will also have a chance to familiarize themselves with French’ weaponries, machineries and other capabilities of their ship when they tour the vessel.
A send-off ceremony at Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila will culminate the goodwill visit on 21 March 2009 at around 9 o’clock in the morning.
The French Navy was received by the Philippine Navy with appropriate honor. CDR BENON, the commanding officer of FS Vendemiaire and party will pay a courtesy call to VADM FERDINAND S GOLEZ AFP, the Flag Officer-in-Command, Philippine Navy.
Goodwill games and shipboard tour will be conducted to foster good relationship between two parties. Philippine Navy personnel will also have a chance to familiarize themselves with French’ weaponries, machineries and other capabilities of their ship when they tour the vessel.
A send-off ceremony at Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila will culminate the goodwill visit on 21 March 2009 at around 9 o’clock in the morning.
Commemoration of the 50th Commissioning Anniversary of the Presidential Yacht and its Renaming to B.R.P. Pag-Asa (AT-25) by President Gloria Macapaga
Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas Ang Pangulo (BRP Ang Pangulo) celebrates its Golden Anniversary in the fleet of the Philippine Navy Friday, 1:30PM in her berthing place at Pier 13 in South Harbor, Manila. Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez, the Flag Officer in Command, Philippine Navy leads the commemoration of BRP Ang Pangulo’s 50th Commissioning anniversary on 06 Mar 2009. Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will be the Guest of Honor. She will also lead the 23,000-strong Philippine Navy in the rites renaming the vessel from the present name BRP Ang Pangulo to BRP Pag-asa.
The vessel, which is an auxiliary transport of the Philippine Navy, was built in Japan as part of that country’s war reparations to the Philippines. At the initiative of President Carlos P. Garcia, the vessel was designed specifically for use as a presidential yacht by Filipino naval engineers, and was christened with its original name of R.P.S. Lapu-Lapu and commissioned into the Navy on March 7, 1959 as its flagship, a status it held until December, 1961.
President Diosdado Macapagal in the following year ordered it converted to a naval troop transport, renaming it R.P.S. Roxas after the fifth President of the Philippines in rites led by Mrs. Trinidad Roxas. President Macapagal instead used another, older, presidential yacht, the R.P.S. Santa Maria which he renamed R.P.S. Pag-asa, the name by which it had been known until the time of President Ramon Magsaysay until she was later decommissioned by the Philippine Navy in 1993.Meanwhile, R.P.S. Roxas was renamed R.P.S. The President when Ferdinand Marcos became president. He then renamed RPS The President to B.R.P. Ang Pangulo and restored its use as the presidential yacht, a status she has retained in all succeeding presidencies to the present day.
It is in honor of these earlier periods under Presidents Magsaysay and Macapagal, and to emphasize its service to the people throughout the archipelago, that the B.R.P. Ang Pangulo has been renamed B.R.P. Pag-Asa by President Arroyo. As it has throughout the Arroyo administration and over its 50 year life, the vessel, operated by Naval Taskforce “Sealion”, continues at the President’s instruction to carry out relief and medical missions all over the islands, aid in emergency search and rescue efforts, perform naval functions, promote tourism, culture and local products, as well as serve the presidency and the government.
The renaming of the vessel by the President is meant to reflect the hope it has often brought with it on its numerous missions around the country, particularly in times of calamity and natural disaster.
The following is the text of a historical marker to be unveiled by the President during the 50th anniversary ceremonies:
B.R.P. PAG-ASA (AT-25)
THE PRESIDENTIAL YACHT
One of 15 ocean-going vessels provided by the Government of Japan as part of war reparations to the Republic of the Philippines during the administration of President Carlos P. Garcia, what was first called Bow No. 77 was designed as the Presidential Yacht by Filipino naval engineers and built at the Ishikawajima Dry-Docks in Tokyo.
Its keel was laid at the Harume Yard on July 16, 1958 and the vessel was launched on October 16 of that year. Sea trials were conducted under Lt. Cmdr. Manuel Mandapat PN, its first commanding officer, on February 9 and 10, 1959. It was designated the flagship of the Philippine Navy by President Garcia through Executive Order on February 13, 1959, and delivered to the Philippine Government on February 28. It was christened R.P.S. Lapu-Lapu (PY-77) and commissioned into the Philippine Navy on March 7. On April 2, the vessel arrived in Manila.
The first presidential engagement held aboard took place on April 7, 1959, and the ship’s first mission, a trade and cultural floating exposition with ports of call in Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, was carried out from April 19 to June 4, 1959. The vessel has since been extensively used for relief, emergency search and rescue, patrol, auxiliary transport and command vessel purposes in addition to performing its duties to the presidency and the government. Many distinguished persons, including General Douglas Macarthur on his sentimental journey in 1961, and numerous heads of state and government, have been aboard as official guests.
Flagship status was revoked by President Diosdado Macapagal on December 31, 1961, and the vessel was renamed R.P.S. Roxas (TP-71) on October 9, 1962, the first instance of a naval ship being named in honor of a Philippine president. It was renamed R.P.S. The President (TP-777) by President Ferdinand E. Marcos on January 11, 1967 and renamed anew as B.R.P. Ang Pangulo (TP-777) on July 1, 1971. Its hull number was altered to AT-25 by President Corazon C. Aquino on September 24, 1986. From 1998 to 2000, extensive refurbishment took place under President Joseph Ejercito Estrada.
On March 6, 2009, the eve of its 50th commissioning anniversary, the ship was renamed B.R.P. Pag-Asa (AT-25) by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in fitting ceremonies celebrating an outstanding legacy of service to the Republic.
The marker was provided by the Office of the President through the Malacañang Museum, in coordination with the National Historical Institute.
The vessel, which is an auxiliary transport of the Philippine Navy, was built in Japan as part of that country’s war reparations to the Philippines. At the initiative of President Carlos P. Garcia, the vessel was designed specifically for use as a presidential yacht by Filipino naval engineers, and was christened with its original name of R.P.S. Lapu-Lapu and commissioned into the Navy on March 7, 1959 as its flagship, a status it held until December, 1961.
President Diosdado Macapagal in the following year ordered it converted to a naval troop transport, renaming it R.P.S. Roxas after the fifth President of the Philippines in rites led by Mrs. Trinidad Roxas. President Macapagal instead used another, older, presidential yacht, the R.P.S. Santa Maria which he renamed R.P.S. Pag-asa, the name by which it had been known until the time of President Ramon Magsaysay until she was later decommissioned by the Philippine Navy in 1993.Meanwhile, R.P.S. Roxas was renamed R.P.S. The President when Ferdinand Marcos became president. He then renamed RPS The President to B.R.P. Ang Pangulo and restored its use as the presidential yacht, a status she has retained in all succeeding presidencies to the present day.
It is in honor of these earlier periods under Presidents Magsaysay and Macapagal, and to emphasize its service to the people throughout the archipelago, that the B.R.P. Ang Pangulo has been renamed B.R.P. Pag-Asa by President Arroyo. As it has throughout the Arroyo administration and over its 50 year life, the vessel, operated by Naval Taskforce “Sealion”, continues at the President’s instruction to carry out relief and medical missions all over the islands, aid in emergency search and rescue efforts, perform naval functions, promote tourism, culture and local products, as well as serve the presidency and the government.
The renaming of the vessel by the President is meant to reflect the hope it has often brought with it on its numerous missions around the country, particularly in times of calamity and natural disaster.
The following is the text of a historical marker to be unveiled by the President during the 50th anniversary ceremonies:
B.R.P. PAG-ASA (AT-25)
THE PRESIDENTIAL YACHT
One of 15 ocean-going vessels provided by the Government of Japan as part of war reparations to the Republic of the Philippines during the administration of President Carlos P. Garcia, what was first called Bow No. 77 was designed as the Presidential Yacht by Filipino naval engineers and built at the Ishikawajima Dry-Docks in Tokyo.
Its keel was laid at the Harume Yard on July 16, 1958 and the vessel was launched on October 16 of that year. Sea trials were conducted under Lt. Cmdr. Manuel Mandapat PN, its first commanding officer, on February 9 and 10, 1959. It was designated the flagship of the Philippine Navy by President Garcia through Executive Order on February 13, 1959, and delivered to the Philippine Government on February 28. It was christened R.P.S. Lapu-Lapu (PY-77) and commissioned into the Philippine Navy on March 7. On April 2, the vessel arrived in Manila.
The first presidential engagement held aboard took place on April 7, 1959, and the ship’s first mission, a trade and cultural floating exposition with ports of call in Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, was carried out from April 19 to June 4, 1959. The vessel has since been extensively used for relief, emergency search and rescue, patrol, auxiliary transport and command vessel purposes in addition to performing its duties to the presidency and the government. Many distinguished persons, including General Douglas Macarthur on his sentimental journey in 1961, and numerous heads of state and government, have been aboard as official guests.
Flagship status was revoked by President Diosdado Macapagal on December 31, 1961, and the vessel was renamed R.P.S. Roxas (TP-71) on October 9, 1962, the first instance of a naval ship being named in honor of a Philippine president. It was renamed R.P.S. The President (TP-777) by President Ferdinand E. Marcos on January 11, 1967 and renamed anew as B.R.P. Ang Pangulo (TP-777) on July 1, 1971. Its hull number was altered to AT-25 by President Corazon C. Aquino on September 24, 1986. From 1998 to 2000, extensive refurbishment took place under President Joseph Ejercito Estrada.
On March 6, 2009, the eve of its 50th commissioning anniversary, the ship was renamed B.R.P. Pag-Asa (AT-25) by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in fitting ceremonies celebrating an outstanding legacy of service to the Republic.
The marker was provided by the Office of the President through the Malacañang Museum, in coordination with the National Historical Institute.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Navy rules the first musicHERO Battle of the Uniformed Bands
The Philippine Navy’s Marine Corps Combo (in camouflage uniform) was declared Champion of the musicHERO 2009. Other awardees are the bands of the Philippine Navy Seabees Band (1st Runner Up), Philippine Army Jungle Fighter Combo (2nd Runner Up and Best Vocalist) and Philippine Military Academy Cadet Combo (Best Original Composition). It was hosted by morning show host Bobby Yan and Cav. Bien Clarete of PMA Class 1999. DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. graced the event by launching the musicHERO CD and awarding the winner of the competition.
The first ever musicHERO Battle of the Uniformed Bands rocks SM Mall of Asia on March 27, 2009 as bands (combo) of the different military and law enforcement services showcased extra-ordinary performance beyond the expectations of the crowd. A variety of music was demonstrated ranging from pure rock to rap, r&b, reggae and ballad.
“Parokya ni Edgar” added spice to the program as the ultimate guest performer when Chito Miranda went down the stage for a jamming with the crowd. Also performing as guests are “Slapshock” and “Typecast” Bands. musicHERO Band representatives of the different AFP Branches of Service and other law enforcement agencies such as the PNP and BFP sang their production number entitled: “Mahal Kita Kapatid”.
In behalf of all the men and women of the uniformed services, Defense Secretary Gilberto C Teodoro Jr. and Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado received a copy of the musicHERO CD album from the Project Director Buddy Sambalilo. The DND Secretary expressed his support and gratitude to the organizers for initiating the noble project of paying tribute to the heroism of the men and women in uniform through original composition and band performance.
Members of the Philippine Military Academy Cadet Combo performed their original composition “Digma” which was chosen as the Best Original Composition by Judges Nonoy Tan, Angee Rozul and Mon del Rosario.
Marine Staff Sergeant Ramir Bayle received an “Agila Guitar” as his prize being the Best Individual Performer as he renders together with his fellow Marines their winning performance of “Laklak” to the tune of “Lumayo Ka Man” and their original composition “Kawal Pilipino”.
It is a tribute concert competition for the heroism of men and women in uniform, musicHERO organized by PMA Masikhay Class of 1999 with the following objectives:
1. PAY TRIBUTE to the heroism of the Filipino men and women in uniform, the sacrifices of their families, and to remember our fallen comrades.
2. PRESENT a new way to encourage the young generation to appreciate and join the uniformed service, or at least chose the ROTC as their NSTP preference.
3. PROVIDE an opportunity to show the other side of the men and women in uniform through a common language of the soul --- music.
Contestants qualifying for the Finals Night are the different bands (combo) as follows: Phil. Army 2nd ID Jungle Fighter Combo, Phil. Navy Seabees Combo, Phil. Air Force Combo, Phil. Marines Combo, Phil. Army Security and Escort Battalion Combo, Phil. National Police National Headquarters Combo, Bureau of Fire Protection "Firefly Combo" and PMA Cadet Combo.
musicHERO CD contains all the eight original composition submitted as entries as well as the musicHERO song and are now available for sale. For CD inquiries, contact 0922-817-1999 or 0917-517-1999.
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