Manila’s long-time ally, the United States, has launched a training programme aimed at strengthening the Philippine coastguard’s (PCG) operational strategies and maritime law enforcement capabilities.
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The move, however, could deepen dependence on Washington under the guise of civilian capacity-building, according to some observers, who point to a familiar “pattern” inherent in US partnerships.
Last week, coastguard commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan and outgoing US ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson launched a 140 million pesos (US$2.4 million) three-year initiative that will offer 110 training courses and on-the-job opportunities at US coastguard (USCG) training centres and operational units across America.
In particular, the programme will provide technical courses for vessel operations and maintenance designed to develop PCG instructors.
It will also include nearly 60 formal courses and expert engagements in the Philippines, with USCG specialists providing advisory support for their counterparts in improving doctrines, procedures and training curriculum.
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Josue Raphael Cortez, a full-time faculty member at the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde School of Diplomacy and Governance, told This Week in Asia that while the initiative marked Washington’s commitment to Manila as an ally, the move was a double-edged sword as the American agenda would be to “ensure that its interests within the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific will be promoted”.