Zambales: The Philippine Navy (PN) has officially christened the country's second offshore patrol vessel, the BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS-21), in a ceremony held at the Naval Operating Base-Subic on May 26. The event marked a significant milestone for the PN as the vessel is set to join the Philippine Fleet (PF).
According to Philippines News Agency, Captain Marie Angelica DC Sisican, chief of the PN public affairs office, explained that the christening symbolizes the formal blessing of the vessel and the official unveiling of its name before it enters active service. Rooted in naval tradition, the ceremony also signifies hopes for the safety and success of the ship and its crew.
The ceremony took place at Quay 7, Naval Operating Base-Subic, with PF commander Rear Admiral Joe Anthony Orbe serving as the keynote speaker. Orbe emphasized that the unveiling of the ship's name and bow number reflects the ongoing modernization of the PN and its commitment to building a more capable and responsive force to protect the nation's maritime domain. He expressed his hopes that BRP Rajah Lakandula would serve as a symbol of courage, dedication, and national pride for future generations of Filipino sailors.
BRP Rajah Lakandula is the sister ship of the first offshore patrol vessel, BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20), which entered active service on February 24. Both vessels are part of a contract with South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, valued at PHP30 billion, signed on June 27, 2022. Four more OPVs are expected to be delivered by 2028. The BRP Rajah Lakandula, which measures 94.4 meters in length and 14.3 meters in width, boasts a displacement of 2,400 tons, a maximum speed of 22 knots, and a cruising range of 5,500 nautical miles.
The commissioning of BRP Rajah Lakandula into active service was initially scheduled for May 29, coinciding with the PN's 128th founding anniversary. However, the ceremony was postponed due to a scheduling conflict, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who was to be the guest of honor, was on a state visit to Japan. The President is expected to return to the Philippines by Friday.
