Manila, Philippines – The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is set to launch a six-month nationwide campaign on maritime safety and marine plastic litter awareness, entitled Maritime Safety Culture Awareness Campaign Caravan: “Ligtas Byaheng Dagat,” this Tuesday, 15 October 2024.

The initiative will target major regional seaport hubs and coastal communities heavily reliant on maritime transportation.

MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan emphasized that this campaign is a government priority aimed at improving sea travel safety, environmental responsibility, and passenger rights.

“This campaign is a crucial step in enhancing maritime safety, reducing plastic litter, and raising awareness of passengers’ rights. By fostering environmental responsibility and educating the public, we aim to create safer, more sustainable sea journeys for everyone. It’s about building a culture of responsibility within our maritime community, empowering passengers, crew, and stakeholders to actively protect lives and safeguard our seas,” Administrator Malaluan said.

Each MARINA Regional Office will spearhead the first leg of the nationwide safety campaign caravan:

In the National Capital Region (MRO-NCR): In Metro Manila, the campaign will start at 5:00 AM at the North Point Passenger Terminal. After sharing safety information with passengers aboard the MV “2GO MASINAG,” the team will proceed to Binangonan, Rizal, for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing with the local government.

For the Ilocos and Cagayan Valley Regions (MRO 1&2): It will kick-off in Sual, Pangasinan, the program will begin at 9:30 AM and will feature a safety presentation, an open forum with stakeholders, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with local officials.

Meanwhile, in Southern Tagalog (MRO 4). Starting in Batangas City, a motorcade will culminate in Mabini, Batangas at 8:30 AM going to San Francisco Covered Court, where MOUs will be signed with key stakeholders, including Congresswoman Gerville Luistro and various mayors. The event will also include live demonstrations of Life Saving Appliances and Fire Fighting Equipment.

For the Bicol Region (MRO 5): A motorcade from Rawis to Legazpi City Convention Center will mark the launch at 8:00 AM. Regional Director Atty. Maximo I. Banares will discuss the importance of maritime safety in the industry and emphasize cooperation among stakeholders.

In the case of Western Visayas (MRO 6): A boat caravan will depart from Iloilo City to Guimaras at 8:00 AM, followed by a town hall meeting and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Buenavista Mayor Samuel T. Gumarin.

Also in the Central Visayas (MRO 7): The campaign will kick off in Cebu City with a motorcade at 9:00 AM, starting from Plaza sa Katawhan in Cebu City and Mandaue City Hall, proceeding to the Cebu Ports Authority’s Social Hall at the Cebu International Port Complex for the town hall meeting. During this event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed with Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin N. Garcia to enhance maritime safety and environmental initiatives.

For Eastern Visayas (MRO 8): Starting with a motorcade at 7:00 AM in the Naval, Biliran, this region’s caravan will feature MOUs with local governments of the Province of Biliran, namely: Naval, Kawayan, Cabucgayan and Caibiran, aiming to enhance maritime safety in the region.

For Northern Mindanao (MRO 10): Activities will take place at Cagayan de Oro Port at 3:00 PM, an MOU signing with the city government to strengthen maritime safety initiatives.
In Davao Region (MRO 11): The caravan will traverse the 40-kilometer coastline of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental at 8:30 AM, ending with a town hall meeting at the Municipal Tourism Complex, Brgy. Tibanban, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental and an MOU signing with local officials.

Meanwhile, in Zamboanga Peninsula (MRO 9): A fluvial parade in Dapitan City will kick off the region’s campaign at 6:00 AM, culminating in a town hall meeting at the Dapitan City Cultural Sports Center and an MOU signing with local officials.

For the SOCCSKSARGEN (MRO 12): In SOCCSKSARGEN, the MARINA Regional Office in General Santos City will launch its caravan with a motorcade from the Municipal Hall of Alabel to the Municipal Gym in Glan, where a program will focus on maritime safety awareness for fishermen, culminating in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Mayor Victor James B. Yap, Sr. and MARINA Regional Director Engr. Bernardo A. Pollo.

Finally for the CARAGA Region in Surigao City (MRO 13): A motorcade will commence at 8:00 AM from Baybay Parola to Jakelou, Narciso Surigao City, and will lead to a town hall meeting in Surigao City, followed by an MOU signing with local government officials.

With strong collaboration from local government units and maritime stakeholders, MARINA’s first-ever nationwide safety caravan will tour major seaports and coastal areas, promoting safer sea travel and cleaner coastlines. Running from 15 October 2024 to April 2025, the campaign will engage communities through town hall meetings, educational programs, and safety demonstrations.

This initiative marks a new level of local governance involvement, encouraging municipalities to actively support efforts for safer sea journeys and sustainable coastal communities.