(22 January 2024, Surabaya) – Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Gina A. Jamoralin, witnessed the Keel Laying Ceremony and First Steel Cutting Ceremony of the two (2) additional landing docks as part of the Philippine Navy’s Landing Dock Acquisition Project (LDAP).

The event, held in PT PAL Indonesia’s shipbuilding facility in Surabaya, marks the start of construction of the landing docks (LD1 and LD2) acquired by the Philippine Navy in line with the Department of National Defense’s (DND) Revised AFP Modernization Program.

Ambassador Jamoralin witnessed the push button and coin laying led by PH Navy’s Head of Delegation, Vice Commander Rear Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia, signifying the Keel Laying Ceremony and start of construction of LD1. Succeeding this, the Ambassador was invited to the First Steel Cutting Ceremony to sign the ship silhouette of LD2, which in turn signaled the first tangible step in the shipbuilding process. PT PAL’s delegation was headed by its CEO, Mr. Kaharuddin Djenod and Acting President Commissioner, Mr. Didit Herdiawan.

RAdm. Valencia highlighted that the LDAP will significantly strengthen the Navy’s strategic sealift capability, as well as further their efficiency on humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

After the ceremony, the delegation visited the shipbuilding facilities of PT PAL, surveying its fabrication and assembly workshops. (END)

Ambassador Gina Jamoralin with the Philippine Navy and PT PAL delegations during the Keel Laying Ceremony of Landing Dock 1, led by Philippine Navy Vice Commander Rear Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia. (Photo courtesy: PT PAL Indonesia)

Ambassador Gina Jamoralin, together with Philippine Navy Vice Commander Rear Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia and PT PAL CEO Mr. Kaharuddin Djenod, at the First Steel Cutting Ceremony and signing of the ship silhouette of Landing Dock 2. (Photo courtesy: PT PAL Indonesia)

The Philippine delegation during the shipbuilding facility tour of PT PAL Indonesia. (Photo courtesy: PT PAL Indonesia)