ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) – Regional Office IX spearheaded the Maritime Safety Culture Awareness Campaign Caravan, dubbed “Ligtas Biyaheng Dagat,” at the City Coliseum in Tetuan on Tuesday, February 25.
The campaign aimed to enhance maritime safety and raise passenger awareness through consultative dialogues with key stakeholders. The event commenced with a motorcade from Paseo del Mar to the City Coliseum, signaling the start of an initiative focused on promoting maritime security and preparedness.
A key highlight of the awareness caravan was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City Government and MARINA. This formalized a partnership committed to fostering a strong maritime safety culture, with the goal of reducing maritime incidents, enhancing security, protecting passengers’ rights, and safeguarding the marine environment.
City Administrator Atty. Wendell Sotto, representing Mayor John Dalipe, expressed gratitude to the Department of Transportation and MARINA-IX, along with its partner agencies, for choosing Zamboanga City as part of the campaign. He underscored the significance of the event in educating the public on safety protocols and emergency preparedness while recognizing the crucial role of maritime experts in disseminating vital information.
“As a coastal city with industries and sectors that rely heavily on maritime, the Maritime Safety Culture Awareness Campaign Caravan presents a great opportunity in fortifying the city’s commitment to safety and sustainability,” Sotto stated, reading Mayor Dalipe’s message.
The event concluded with an open forum, allowing stakeholders and participants to engage in discussions on maritime safety concerns and best practices.
Among the distinguished guests were Vice Mayor Josephine Pareja, District 1 Congressman Khymer Olaso’s representative Capt. Kenji Olaso, MRO IX OIC-Director Dr. Farida Cunanan, MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Acting Division Manager and Terminal Supervisor Khendar Yusop Hadjirul, Coast Guard Station Zamboanga Commander Capt. Larry Cendaña, and representatives from various partner agencies and maritime industry stakeholders, including the PNP Maritime Group, shipping associations, and ship owners and operators.
The campaign reinforced MARINA’s commitment to ensuring a safer maritime industry and fostering awareness among passengers and stakeholders, strengthening Zamboanga City’s role as a hub for responsible maritime practices.