The MARINA Regional Office VII (MRO 7), led by Regional Director Annabell P. Lagas, in partnership with local government units (LGUs) of Negros Oriental—Municipality of Manjuyod Mayor Raffy S. Andaya, Municipality of Sibulan Mayor Jose A. Abiera, Municipality of Dauin Mayor Galiciano A. Truita, City of Dumaguete Mayor Felipe Antonio B. Remollo, and Negros Oriental Governor Manuel L. Sagarbarria—successfully conducted the third leg of the Maritime Safety Culture Awareness Campaign Caravan on 31 January 2025 at the Plenary Hall, Negros Oriental Convention Center, Dumaguete City. The event aimed to strengthen maritime safety awareness among stakeholders.
The caravan commenced at Tangil Port, Dumanjug, Cebu, traveling to Santander Port, Santander, Cebu. From there, the team crossed the Tañon Strait to Sibulan Port, Negros Oriental, and proceeded to Dumaguete Port before reaching the final venue. The caravan from Sibulan Port included over 20 vehicles, with delegates from Bais City arriving by bus.
More than 250 participants attended, including representatives from maritime schools, recreational boat operators, domestic shipping operators, and fishing boat operators from Negros Oriental.
Key government agencies and private entities also supported the initiative, including the Philippine Coast Guard Southern Visayas District, led by Commodore Ludovico Librilla Jr.; the Philippine Ports Authority, led by Mr. Rey T. Del Moro Jr.; the PNP Maritime Police, led by PLT Rucky E. Fernando; and the Negros Oriental Maritime Association (NOMA), led by Dr. Mark Anthony C. Vera.
A highlight of the event was the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between MRO 7 and the participating LGUs to strengthen inter-agency collaboration in promoting maritime safety awareness.
In her opening remarks, Dir. Lagas emphasized that compliance with safety standards is crucial for the domestic shipping industry’s sustainability. Similarly, Mayor Bautista stressed the importance of balancing economic interests, environmental preservation, and public welfare.
Participants received Ligtas Byaheng Dagat t-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. Additionally, IEC posters were displayed at Tangil Port, Santander Port, Sibulan Port, and Dumaguete Port to raise public awareness.
The Maritime Safety Culture Awareness Campaign Caravan will continue in the coming months across Region VII to further promote maritime safety culture.
View photos here