SOGOD, SOUTHERN LEYTE – The MARINA-Regional Office VIII (MRO8), in partnership with the local government of Sogod, conducted the Maritime Safety Culture Awareness Campaign Caravan (MSCACC) from 01-02 April 2025 to enhance maritime safety awareness among stakeholders.

A key highlight of the event was the Ceremonial Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between MRO8 and the Sogod LGU, represented by Regional Director Cheryl V. Pascua and Vice Mayor Jose Ramil G. Golo, who signed on behalf of Mayor Shefferd Lino S. Tan. The MOU aims to strengthen cooperation in promoting maritime safety in the region.

As part of the campaign, MRO8 visited the ports of Baybay, Hilongos, Bato, Maasin, Padre Burgos, and Liloan, engaging with local port authorities, ship crews, and stakeholders to discuss vessel maintenance, emergency preparedness, and key safety measures. Topics covered included passenger rights, guidelines for clean travel, and safe voyage protocols.

The second day featured a motorcade caravan with over 257 participants, including boat owners, operators, seafarers, fishermen, and students from Osmeña Colleges of Information Technology (OCIT) and Southern Leyte State University (SLSU).

The event was attended by representatives from the LGU of Sogod, Coast Guard Station Southern Leyte, Maritime Law Enforcement Team – Southern Leyte, National Maritime Polytechnic, Philippine Ports Authority – Liloan, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Tacloban & Liloan).

The MSCACC is part of MRO8’s ongoing efforts to promote a culture of maritime safety in Eastern Visayas.

More photos here