MANILA -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) now have an additional ship at their disposal after receiving a donation from Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Tuesday afternoon.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan and PRC Chairman Senator Richard Gordon signed a deed of donation in a turnover ceremony at the Pier 13 South Harbor in Manila.

The event was also attended by First Lady Liza Marcos, who is the Auxiliary Vice Admiral of the Philippine Coast Guard.

The M/V Amazing Grace, which was first acquired by PRC in 2010, will now be used by PCG as their first ever humanitarian ship.

“Partly [hospital ship] kasi this can be used for a multi mission. It will be the first humanitarian vessel [for PCG]. Very significant ito sa humanitarian assistance and disaster response. May mga heavy cargo na hindi natin nadadala by air,” said PCG Commandant Admiral Gavan.

“This ship can be beached. We can bring an entire hospital and put it on a beach. Then we can bring people there, this is a very practical ship that you can bring in any island na tatamaan [ng disasters],” said PRC Chairman Richard Gordon.

In addition to the $88-million vessel that was given by PRC, the PCG also received 100 units of STARLINK kits donated by Space Exploration Technologies Corp (SpaceX), which aims to provide satellite service and improve communication especially in the most isolated areas in the country.

Moreover, the PCG also received two Barracuda Rigid-hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) donated by Grab Philippines.