With a maximum speed of 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph) and at 77 meters (253 ft) in length, it has a capacity of up to 44 passengers and 81 crew members.

[1] The ship, first named as the RPS Lapu-Lapu (PY-77), was built in Japan as part of that country's war reparations to the Philippines.

At the initiative of President Carlos P. Garcia, Filipino naval engineers specifically designed the vessel for use as a presidential yacht.

[6][7] Among the videos released was Irene Marcos' lavish September 1985 party aboard the Ang Pangulo,[6] which was controversial in light of the sorry state of the Philippine economy at the time, and because diplomats such as U.S.

During trips to Mindanao, President Estrada frequently utilized the yacht, effectively serving as a mobile Malacañang in the southern region.

As it has throughout the Arroyo administration and over its 50-year life, the vessel, operated by Naval Taskforce “Sealion”, continues at the President's instruction to carry out relief and medical missions all over the islands, aid in emergency search and rescue efforts, perform naval functions, promote tourism, culture and local products, as well as serve the presidency and the government.

The 15th president of the Philippines, Benigno S. Aquino III, rechristened the presidential yacht with its old name, the BRP Ang Pangulo (AT-25).

On 14 December 2011, the yacht joined the fleet in a ceremony, together with the newly refurbished Hamilton-class cutter named the BRP Gregorio del Pilar.

Duterte said that the proceeds would go to war veterans, improvement of hospital facilities, and salaries for doctors "so they would not have to leave the country for higher-paying jobs.

[12][13] On 30 April 2021, the Philippine Navy (PN) has announced that the BRP Ang Pangulo is prepared to admit coronavirus patients.

[14] As of 22 January 2022, the Philippine Navy announced that the Ship was able to extend Medical Aid to a total of 2,450 Patients in Siargao and the Dinagat Islands as part of its Humanitarian Missions in the Area[15] BRP Ang Pangulo was one of 15 ocean-going vessels provided by the Government of Japan as part of war reparations to the Republic of the Philippines during the administration of President Carlos P.

Many distinguished persons, including General Douglas MacArthur on his sentimental journey in 1961, and numerous heads of state and government, have been aboard as official guests.

On March 6, 2009, the eve of its 50th commissioning anniversary, the ship was renamed BRP Pag-Asa (AT-25) by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in fitting ceremonies celebrating an outstanding legacy of service to the Republic.

The name was changed to Banahaw, and it was made part of the Coast Guard service, although, primarily, it was reserved for use of the President and his family.

Its keel was laid in October 1907; it was launched in May 1908, and was commissioned in August 1908 to the United States Lighthouse Service, which was merged with the Coast Guard in 1939.

It was called the Orchid in line with the Lighthouse Service's tradition of using flora as names for certain vessels (tenders, in particular), which was continued by the Coast Guard.