Manila: Japan is providing the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force with defense equipment valued at approximately PHP611 million, or 1.6 billion Japanese yen. The Philippines is among the four countries selected by Japan to receive its Official Security Assistance (OSA) for the fiscal year 2024. According to Philippines News Agency, this marks the second instance of OSA that Manila is receiving from Tokyo. The initial grant, valued at 600 million Japanese yen or about PHP235 million, was allocated for coastal radars in 2023. The recent diplomatic exchange occurred between Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, who signed and exchanged notes at the Department of Foreign Affairs. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. was also present at the ceremony. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs detailed that the new aid package includes rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs), coastal radar systems, and other equipment to enhance the Philippine Navy's maritime domain awareness (MDA) capabilities. Additionally, the Philippine Air Force will receive air surveillance radar system-related equipment to bolster its monitoring and surveillance capabilities. Ambassador Endo expressed hopes that these provisions would greatly benefit the Philippines in addressing strategic challenges. He emphasized that these elements are designed to safeguard Philippine sovereignty and secure national territory by enhancing MDA and surveillance capabilities. Endo also emphasized Japan's commitment to regional security and stability, aiming for a free and open Indo-Pacific. In a statement during the signing event, Secretary Manalo highlighted that this aid initiative strengthens the collaboration between the Philippines and Japan, promoting peace and stability in the region. As one of the first recipients of Japan's OSA scheme launched in 2023, the Philippines has now received a total of JPY2.2 billion in aid from Japan.