The Maritime Industry Authority Regional Office VI(MRO 6), led by Regional Director Jeffrey A. Bangsa, together with the Malay Local Government Unit (LGU), headed by Mayor Frolibar Bautista, successfully conducted the second leg of the Maritime Safety Culture Awareness Campaign Caravan on January 30, 2025, to promote maritime safety among stakeholders.

The activity commenced with a motorcade from Caticlan Jetty Port to the Malay Municipal Gymnasium, featuring over 80 vehicles. More than 300 participants attended, including recreational boat operators, domestic shipping operators, and fishing operators from Aklan. Several government agencies also joined the initiative, such as the Philippine Coast Guard Station Aklan, led by LTJG Jason S. Lavadia; Caticlan Jetty Port Administrator, Mr. Esel L. Flores; Aklan Maritime Police, represented by PCapt. John D. Delgado; and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – CENRO Boracay, represented by Mr. Vicente Flaviano.

A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between MRO 6 and the Malay LGU to strengthen inter-agency collaboration in promoting maritime safety awareness. In his opening remarks, Dir. Bangsa emphasized that compliance with safety standards is essential for the domestic shipping industry to thrive. Similarly, Mayor Bautista underscored that stakeholders’ livelihoods depend not only on capital but also on environmental preservation and public welfare.

As part of the Safety Caravan, participants received Ligtas Byaheng Dagat shirts and IEC materials, including posters advocating maritime safety and environmental awareness. Audio-visual presentations (AVPs) on safety awareness were showcased throughout the program, with stakeholders receiving copies via official Maritime Safety Awareness Campaign hard drives. A ceremonial posting of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) posters at Caticlan Jetty Port was also conducted for the benefit of the riding public.

To conclude the event, all attendees pledged their commitment to maritime safety by taking the “Panata ng Kaligtasan.” The Maritime Safety Culture Awareness Campaign Caravan will continue in the coming months across various areas in the region to further promote maritime safety culture.

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