The donated patrol boat from Blue Alliance. Photo courtesy of Mayor Malou Flores Morillo Facebook Page
Calapan receives patrol boat from Blue Alliance
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro – The local government of Calapan City formally received a new patrol boat that will augment the assets of the local Bantay Dagat force.
“This patrol boat is part of the dream of my administration as city mayor and make sure that our nature is protected and not harmed here in the City of Calapan,” Mayor Malou Flores-Morillo said.
Morillo also thanked the agencies and organizations that partnered with the Calapan local government unit (LGU) in its marine biodiversity management program.
The floating asset can be used for patrolling by the Coast Guard (CG) was given by Blue Alliance Philippines.
In Barangay Lazareto, Calapan, Morillo led the formal turnover of a 9-footer patrol boat with a 75 horsepower Yamaha outboard gas engine worth about P1 million at the City Fisheries Management Office on February 11.
The said equipment is among the assistance provided by Blue Alliance Philippines in Calapan City contained in their “marine protected areas” (MPAs) co-management agreement.
The initiative is part of the Morillo administration’s plan for a biodiversity conservation and protection program.
The patrol boat will be operated by the Calapan LGU’s coast guard in patrolling MPAs and running after illegal activities in 23 coastal sites and lakeside barangays.
Bangka Pro provided basic training for CGs and sea trials of the patrol boats to ensure it is safe and under the supervision of City Administrator Atty. Raymund Al Ussam and Fisheries Management Officer Robin Clement Villas.
