By HENRY E. EMPEÑO | Subic Bay Freeport

THE country’s first missile-capable warship, the Barko ng Pilipinas (BRP) Jose Rizal (FF-150), was commissioned here on Friday, July 10, in simple ceremonies that also signalled a historical shift towards the modernization of the Philippine Navy.

The multi-role frigate, which arrived in this free port from South Korea on May 23, was commissioned by the top brass of the Philippine Navy with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana as guest of honor and President Rodrigo Duterte giving a virtual message.

Among those present in the event were presidential assistant for military affairs Lt. Gen. Archie Tabaquero, Philippine Navy flag officer in command Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, Philippine Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes, and Philippine Military Academy superintendent Vice Adm. Allan Ferdinand Cusi.

In a virtual message played during the turnover, christening and commissioning rites held at the Alava Pier here, President Duterte described the occasion as “the beginning of a new era for development and transformation of our Philippine Navy.”

He also thanked the country’s sea-borne force “for always delivering the highest standard of service to our country and people” and urged it to double its passion and commitment “In ensuring the peace and progress truly deserved by our country.”

Secretary Lorenzana, meanwhile, said the commissioning of BRP Jose Rizal was a significant milestone in the history of the Philippine Navy, and “positive proof of the government’s commitment to modernize the armed forces.”

“We dedicate this ship in the honor of our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, that it may endow anyone who sails in her the zeal of patriotism and love of country,” Lorenzana added.

In the ceremony, BRP Jose Rizal’s commanding officer Capt. Jerry Garrido Jr. formally rendered a readiness report, followed by a reading of commissioning and assignment orders by naval adjutant Col. Stephen Cabanlet.

Garrido then formally assumed command of the frigate and officially set the watch, which assigned the crew to specific duties on the ship.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, who witnessed the ceremony, said it was an honor for Subic Bay to host the commissioning rites for the country’s newest and most powerful military ship.

“Like this frigate, the Subic Bay Freeport symbolizes the new hope of the Philippine government to modernize and be self-reliant towards true independence and sustainability,” Eisma said.

“It is the pride of every Filipino to witness this historic event when we realize our common aspirations for a secure and stable future,” she added.

BRP Jose Rizal was built by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) of South Korea and is the first purpose-built frigate of the Philippine Navy. Previously, the Navy acquired its major warships mostly as hand-me-downs from other navies.

The new vessels, which is armed with missiles and torpedoes, is touted to be capable for anti-surface, anti-air, anti-submarine, and electronic warfare—a capability boosted by a top speed of 25 knots and the proficiency to stay out at sea for 30 days straight.

The 107.5-meter long frigate costs P8 billion, and is among the first two brand-new frigates to be acquired by the Philippines under a P16 billion (US$315 million) contract awarded to HHI in 2016. Another P2 billion has reportedly been earmarked for the ships’ weapon systems and munitions.

BRP Rizal’s sister ship, the BRP Antonio Luna, is expected to be delivered in September after undergoing sea trials like the first frigate did.

 

TOP PHOTO: Sailors stand at attention on deck of BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) during the commissioning of the Philippines’ first missile frigate on Friday, July 10, at the Subic Bay Freeport (Photo by Jonas Reyes)