The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) formally welcomed the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Training Ship Itsukushima (PL-23) at the Manila South Harbor on July 16, 2026, marking the commencement of a four-day goodwill visit aimed at bolstering maritime cooperation and professional exchange between the two nations.
Led by senior PCG officials, the arrival ceremony honored the arriving delegation and celebrated the deep-seated partnership between the Philippine and Japanese maritime agencies.
The visit, concluding on July 19, serves as a key component of the JCG Academy’s Global Ocean Training Voyage.
Throughout the four-day visit, personnel from both coast guards will participate in a robust itinerary designed to enhance interoperability and mutual understanding. Scheduled activities include:
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Official courtesy calls and leadership engagements
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Comprehensive shipboard and facility tours
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Professional maritime exchanges between cadets and officers
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Joint sports and cultural activities to foster camaraderie “The goodwill visit of the Itsukushima (PL-23) underscores the enduring maritime ties and shared vision of the Philippines and Japan,” the PCG stated. “Through these collaborative engagements, both nations continue to work toward a safer, more secure, and resilient maritime community in the region.”
The Itsukushima is the Japan Coast Guard’s newest large training vessel, serving as the premier afloat training platform for JCG cadets. Beyond its educational mandate, the highly versatile ship is fully equipped to deploy for active maritime security operations and international cooperation missions.
Vessel Specifications:
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Gross Tonnage: 6,200 tons
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Length: 134 meters
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Beam: 16 meters
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Draft: 5.7 meters
Prior to its arrival in Manila, the vessel completed a port call in Singapore. The Itsukushima is scheduled to depart Manila South Harbor on July 19 to conclude its voyage back to Japan.
The successful arrival and berthing of the vessel were managed by the Port Management Office (PMO) NCR South. As the administrator of Manila South Harbor, the PMO NCR South remains dedicated to maintaining world-class port readiness, ensuring the seamless and efficient handling of international training vessels, naval fleets, and foreign government ships.
