A Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) expert was honored by the Philippine Coast Guard for his outstanding contribution in the promotion of maritime safety in the Philippines.

After three years as consultant for the PCG administration, Commander Masaki Furukawa, a Japan Coast Guard officer tasked to promote maritime safety here in the country, was conferred the “Degree of Maginoo” (Legion Honor) by Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo.

Furukawa has helped the PCG and local maritime authorities in areas such as Maritime Communications System, Hazardous and Noxious Substance Response Operations, and most recently, the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) Seminar-Workshops on anti-piracy coordination.

His expertise in maritime administration is particularly useful on the development of the PCG’s pioneer cadetship program and in the upgrading its anti-marine pollution and communications equipment.

JICA through the efforts of Commander Furukawa recently made possible the donation to the PCG of marine pollution and communications equipment through the JICA Grant Aid “Project on Enhancement of Communications System for Maritime Safety and Security” amounting to P360 million. (John Carlo Cahinhinan)