The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Regional Office IX (MRO 9) led by OIC-director Farida Cunanan successfully held the second leg of its Maritime Safety Culture Awareness Campaign Caravan in Zamboanga City on 25 February 2025.

A key highlight of the event was the formal signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) between MRO 9 and the Zamboanga City government to enhance maritime safety and environmental sustainability in the region.

The MoA solidifies the collaboration between Marina and the Zamboanga City to jointly promote maritime safety, enforce regulations and raise awareness about environmental protection in the maritime sector.

“This agreement strengthens our efforts to ensure that maritime safety standards are effectively implemented at the local level. By working hand-in-hand with the LGU, we can create a safer, more sustainable maritime environment for Zamboanga and beyond,” Cunanan said, according to a post in Marina’s Facebook page.

The caravan began with a motorcade from Paseo del Mar to the Mayor Vitaliano Agan Coliseum in Barangay Tetuan. Joining the motorcade were maritime cadets, stakeholders, local government representatives and partner agencies — all showing a strong commitment to improving maritime safety and sustainability in the region.

Following the motorcade, a town hall meeting brought together key maritime officials, local leaders and industry stakeholders to discuss safety concerns and future collaborative efforts. Dignitaries at the meeting included Vice Mayor Josephine “Pinpin” Pareja, District 1 Rep. Capt. Kenji T. Olaso, Khendal Hadjirul from the Philippine Ports Authority Port Management Office of Zamboanga, Coast Guard Zamboanga Station commander Capt. Larry Cendaña, and City Administrator Atty. Wendell Sotto.

During the open forum, participants inquired about the importance of the campaign, particularly in terms of passenger rights.

Cendaña and Cunanan underscored the need to educate both industry stakeholders and the public — especially passengers with disabilities — on their rights and access to safe, inclusive sea travel.

“This initiative is key to raising awareness about maritime safety, passenger rights, and the responsibilities of vessel operators,” Cunanan said.

In appreciation for their invaluable support, Zamboanga City officials and partner agencies were presented with small gifts and appreciation plaques. Certificates of appreciation were also given to the stakeholders who actively participated in the event. TDT

The MRO9 team continued their campaign outreach at the International Port of Zamboanga City, distributing information, education, and communication materials to passengers, as well as placing safety reminder posters on passenger vessels.

The Maritime Safety Culture Awareness Campaign Caravan will visit seaport hubs and coastal communities across the country until April 2025. Through these efforts, MARINA aims to instill a stronger culture of safety and environmental responsibility, ultimately reducing maritime accidents and incidents.