The Philippine contingents deployed to participate in this year's Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise arrived in Hawaii on Sunday, the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard announced on Tuesday.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) the arrival of its "delegation marks the organization’s historic maiden participation in the world’s largest international maritime exercise."

"Notably, the PCG is the first coast guard organization, aside from the United States Coast Guard (USCG), to participate in the RIMPAC exercise—highlighting a significant milestone in the organization’s history and commitment with the partner nations in the Indo-Pacific region," it stated.

During their arrival at port in Honolulu, the PCG "warmly welcomed the Philippine Consul General to Hawaii, Consul General Arman Talbo, aboard BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301).

Upon arrival, the Consul General was received by the PCG ship’s Commanding Officer, Captain Jomark Angue and members of the PCG contingent.

A shipboard tour was also conducted showcasing the vessel’s operational capabilities and its role as the PCG’s flagship in maritime safety, security, and international cooperation missions.

The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of the PCG and the Philippine Consulate General in Hawaii to strengthen stronger ties with partner nations while showcasing the professionalism and capabilities of Filipino maritime personnel.

The members of the Naval Task Group 84, headed by Captain Ryan Bakabak aboard Philippine Navy's BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG6) were also welcomed by Talbo upon their arrival.

“To our officers and crew, know that you have the full support of the Philippine Consulate and the Filipino community here in Hawaii. We are proud of you, grateful of your service, and we wish you every success throughout the RIMPAC 2026. We are behind you,” Talbo said.

The Consul General expressed his appreciation for the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of the Philippine contingents for representing the Philippines on the international stage through RIMPAC 2026.

“Your participation underscores the growing recognition that maritime security today requires a whole-of-nation approach, where naval, military, civilian, and maritime agencies work together to address shared challenges and uphold a rules-based international order,” Talbo added.

Bakabak said the presence of BRP Miguel Malvar in Pearl Harbor is a representation of the Filipino people’s determination, courage, and commitment to securing a better future for the country noting that the ship carries with her the hopes and pride of Filipinos around the world.

“Today, I wish to emphasize that the ship we brought with us, BRP Miguel Malvar, does not solely belong to the Philippine Navy. She belongs to every Filipino. She is a symbol of our nation’s aspirations, our growing maritime capability, and our collective pride,” Bakabak stressed. Robina Asido/PHS