The Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary
Delfin Lorenzana has made his intentions ever since last year that he wants
offshore patrol vessels (OPV) for the Philippine Navy.
Lorenzana is on to something that will benefit all
parties concerned, but most especially the country.
He is laying the proposal that as national defense
secretary he is very much inclined to enter into an agreement with Australia-based
global shipbuilder and defense contractor, Austal, regarding the proposed
offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) of the Philippine Navy (PN).
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Austal has a local subsidiary, Austal Philippines, operating in Balamban, Cebu.
"As far as I'm concerned, I like it because
it (could) be built in the Philippines using Filipino laborers," said the
DND chief in an interview with GMA News Digital.
Lorenzana has in mind that if the OPVs are built
in local shore , Filipino laborers and technical staff can be tapped.
Also, Lorenzana said that the proposed deal will
further develop the country's relationship with Australia.
"It's good to develop relationship with our
neighbors. The Australians are willing to help us," he added.
Lorenzana earlier raised Austal's possible
participation in the OPV project last year.
The DND chief also stressed that Austal
Philippines has volunteered to build the proposed OPVs.
"They are volunteering to build our offshore
patrol vessel. We’re looking into that," he added.
Austal is offering a larger version of its
80-meter Cape-class patrol vessels being used by the Australian Border Force
and Royal Australian Navy.
Six units of OPVs is the desired number for the
Philippine Navy.
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Report from PNA
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