These ships were based on a helicopter capable variant of the United States Army's General Frank S. Besson, Jr. class Logistics Support Vessel.

The two Bacolod City class ships were built by Halter/Moss Point Marine of Escatawpa, Mississippi in the United States.

[4] As an amphibious transport, it is fairly armed for defensive purposes, and carries four 12.mm heavy machine guns at the front side decks, and two Oerlikon 20 mm cannons near its two personnel landing craft (LCVP's).

The prime mission of the ship is the direct transport and discharge of liquid and dry cargo to shallow terminal areas, remote under-developed coastlines and on inland waterways.

This capability expands the choice of landing locations, and at the same time reduces the potential enemy impact on the logistics support operations.