The Department of Transportation announced on Saturday that the United States will be providing assistance to the Philippines in establishing its vessel traffic management system (VTMS). This collaboration aims to promote efficient water traffic management at major ports and address reported incidents of signal jamming within the country’s exclusive economic zone.
Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista expressed his optimism about the partnership, stating, “Apart from promoting efficient water traffic management at major ports, it looks like we may have a countermeasure to reported incidents of signal jamming inside our exclusive economic zone.” The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recently accused China of jamming the tracking signals of Philippine vessels patrolling the Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) area in the disputed West Philippine Sea. The establishment of a VTMS will greatly enhance the PCG’s capabilities in policing the country’s waterways and ports.
PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan emphasized the importance of the VTMS in maintaining the safety and freedom of the Pacific. He highlighted its capability to provide a complete image of the maritime environment, enabling the PCG to effectively monitor and respond to potential threats.
To solidify this partnership, Transport Secretary Bautista and US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson signed an agreement for the US grant. In addition to the assistance in establishing the VTMS, the United States has also released a $1 million grant to the PCG for the purpose of upgrading maritime safety and security in the Philippines.
Ambassador Carlson expressed her satisfaction with the collaboration, stating, “We are pleased to partner with Philippine authorities to develop an expanded VTMS to better manage maritime traffic, prevent vessel collisions, and protect marine environments.” The VTMS will play a crucial role in enhancing the overall safety and security of the Philippines’ maritime domain.
The establishment of a VTMS will have several benefits for the Philippines. Firstly, it will enhance the efficiency of water traffic management at major ports, ensuring a smoother flow of vessels and goods. This will contribute to the country’s economic growth by facilitating trade and commerce.
Secondly, the VTMS will serve as a countermeasure to reported incidents of signal jamming within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. By having a comprehensive monitoring system in place, the PCG will be better equipped to detect and address any attempts to disrupt tracking signals, ensuring the safety and security of Philippine vessels and personnel.
Furthermore, the VTMS will significantly bolster the PCG’s capabilities in policing the country’s waterways and ports. With its ability to provide a complete image of the maritime environment, the PCG will have better situational awareness and be able to respond more effectively to potential threats such as illegal fishing, smuggling, and other maritime crimes.
The collaboration between the United States and the Philippines in establishing the VTMS demonstrates the commitment of both nations to promoting maritime safety and security in the region. It also highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing common challenges and ensuring the freedom of navigation.
In conclusion, the assistance provided by the United States in establishing the vessel traffic management system will greatly benefit the Philippines. It will enhance water traffic management, address signal jamming incidents, and strengthen the PCG’s capabilities in maintaining maritime safety and security. This collaboration serves as a testament to the commitment of both nations in promoting a safe and secure maritime domain.
Source: The Manila Times
