ILOILO – The provincial government has acquired two speed boats to further strengthen its campaign against illegal fishing, particularly in northern Iloilo.
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias said the new speed boats were delivered by the supplier Stoneworks Specialists International Corp. on Monday, Sept. 11.
“In a remarkable move towards preserving our marine resources, Gov. Toto (Defensor Jr.) through our PAO (Provincial Agriculture Office) headed by Dr. Ildefonso Toledo recently acquired two speed boats to strengthen the floating assets of the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force,” Banias said.
He added: “This significant addition aims to enhance the taskforce’s capabilities in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF). By doing so, we can work together to gradually reduce or even eliminate this damaging practice.”
The speed boat, which costs P3,499,500 each, has a hull length of 25 to 26 feet, breadth of seven to three feet, and one unit new 150 HP outboard (gasoline/diesel) motor four stroke engine with hydraulic system and fuel water separator.
Its hull is molded fiber glass with get coat and foam filled hull between stringers and a stainless plate bow guard.
The speed boat is equipped with a global positioning system (GPS), chart plotter combo with blue chart G2, VHF marine base radio with antenna, navigation lights, and galvanized trailers.
Banias further said the two new speed boats will also play a vital role in the restoration and rehabilitation of Iloilo’s coastal and marine resources, particularly in the Visayan Sea and enhance the province’s disaster response and rescue capabilities.
”With increased efficiency and agility, we can pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for our oceans,” he said.
On Tuesday, Sept. 12, Stoneworks Specialists International Corp. conducted a sea trial of the two speed boats at the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) station in Barangay Loboc, La Paz, Iloilo City and the Iloilo Strait.
The Bantay Dagat operatives were also given an orientation on how to operate the speed boats as well as the use of its accessories.
The provincial administrator thanked PCG-Iloilo Station commander Paterno Belarmino Jr. for allowing the conduct of the sea trial in their area./PN
