The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) reaffirmed their strategic partnership during an official visit by USCG Pacific Area Commander Vice Admiral Joseph R. Buzzella to PCG National Headquarters in Port Area, Manila, on June 25, 2026.
The meeting highlighted ongoing cooperation under the Mutual Defense Board–Security Engagement Board (MDB–SEB), focusing on critical areas such as maritime domain awareness, search and rescue, environmental protection, and operational interoperability through the Philippine–United States Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Agreement (AMSAR).
“Our partnership strengthens the capacity to protect Filipino waters and ensure rapid response to emergencies at sea,” said PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gavan.
The two Coast Guards also reaffirmed commitments to joint exercises, including Balikatan, SEACAT, SEAMLEI, and the 2026 RIMPAC Exercise, aimed at improving coordination and operational readiness.
A significant focus of the cooperation has been marine environmental response. Following the 2023 MT Princess Empress oil spill, USCG specialists provided technical support and guidance on containment and cleanup. In 2024, during the MT Terranova spill in Manila Bay, a joint USCG–NOAA team trained PCG personnel on modern response techniques including shoreline assessment and spill modeling.
“These collaborations enhance the PCG’s ability to respond quickly to maritime emergencies and environmental hazards, directly benefiting coastal communities and local industries,” Admiral Gavan added.
The visit also emphasized continued capacity-building programs, particularly in Mindanao, and reinforced the shared goal of maintaining a secure, stable, and rules-based maritime domain in the region.
The partnership demonstrates how multilateral cooperation translates into tangible public safety benefits, from faster search and rescue operations to improved preparedness for environmental incidents, while strengthening regional maritime governance.