PF 15- BRP Gregorio del Pilar Warship [WHEC-715] Official sendoff from the United States - Heading to Spratlys

Ninety-five Filipino sailors proudly boarded the Philippines' newest and biggest warship, Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas: Gregorio del Pilar, at the U.S. Coast Guard in Alameda, California on Tuesday.

In a send-off ceremony attended by Filipino-American leaders, the Philippine Navy personnel concluded their five-month stay in America.

"We miss home. We miss our family and loved-ones," said crew member Geovanie Baylon.

More than missing home, these Navy men are excited to bring this ship to the Philippines. They say the BRP Gregorio del Pilar has the capacity to defend and protect the Philippine seas and its territories.

Rear Admiral Alexander Pama, Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command said: "We think this is more symbolic in a sense that we are now transitioning from the kind of Navy we had before--not so much on the people--but on the capability that we have."

The former Hamilton-Class US Coast Guard cutter was acquired by the Philippines from the United States, under the US Excess Defense Act last May for more than $10 million.

The ship has 5 floors and boasts of a helicopter flight deck and a retractable hangar. 

Malacañang said the 3,000-ton ship will patrol the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), close to the disputed Spratly Islands.

"Being soldiers, we are ready to defend the Philippines," Captain Abet Cruz said. "That is part of our job."

The US Pinoys for Good Governance has held protests against the Chinese government's activities in the Kalayaan Islands, a Philippine-claimed territory in the Spratlys.

These Fil-Am leaders said they're confident the new warship would be able to defend the Philippines, should tensions there increase.

Following the acquisition of BRP Gregorio del Pilar, officials said the Philippines plans to acquire 2 more ships from the US as part of President Aquino's commitment to upgrade the equipment of the country's Armed Forces.

It will take another month or so for the BRP Gregorio del Pilar to reach Philippine shores.

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Cebu Queen City of the South declared ASEAN 10th City of Culture

Cebu City, considered as the Philippines’ Queen City of the South, was declared a City of Culture by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on July 20, 2011.

ASEAN Awards the Following Cities for different titles;

1.       Angono in Rizal

2.      Tarlac City

3.      Angeles in Pampanga

4.      Batangas City

5.      Roxas in Capiz

6.      Tagbilaran in Bohol

7.      Cagayan de Oro in Misamis Oriental

8.      Dapitan City in Zamboanga.

9.      Manila

10. Cebu - tenth Philippine city to be awarded the title

“From the historic Magellan's cross planted in the heart of the city, to the city's magnificent hotels, pristine beaches and diving spots, colorful religious and tourist festivals and vibrant industries-you name it, Cebu has it," said Olivia Palala, executive director of the DFA Office of ASEAN Affairs.

The recognition was in line with the country’s distinction as the ASEAN Culture Capital for 2010 and 2011, a project that gives countries the distinction of being a Culture Capital for two straight years.

The news was met with festivities in Cebu last Friday, starting at the Radisson Blu Hotel where Cebuano college students decked in traditional attire of ASEAN member-states and carrying the 10 flags of the ASEAN kicked off a series of events for the day.

The day was highlighted by the unveiling of the “Cebu City as ASEAN City of Culture" marker at the Talamban Family Park where the 12th ASEAN Summit is also located.

Other events included a roundtable discussion featuring the city’s artists and traders and five ASEAN resident ambassadors, a cultural extravaganza, a sampling of Cebu delicacies, a furniture and fabric exhibit at SM Cebu, an evening fashion show at the Rizal Library and a heritage walk around the city.

Cebu will pass on the honor of being the ASEAN Culture Capital to Singapore in January during the city’s annual celebration of the Sinulog Festival.

The ASEAN City of Culture movement began in 2008 and aims to strengthen ASEAN identity and increase the prominence of ASEAN inside and outside the region by celebrating Southeast Asian arts and culture.

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