Plarider Port celebrates launching of new tugboat

PLARIDEL, Misamis Occidental – Misamis Occidental welcomed its new vessel in a blessing ceremony and ribbon cutting of the new tugboat M/T Foscon Bridge held on March 26 at Plaridel Port in the province.

This tugboat “lady” is a new player called motor tugboat “Foscon Bridge” made by Japanese and has two main engines. Every engine is capable of producing 1,300 horsepower, intended and design to assist the harbor.

The tugboats will make and ensure the safety of the vessels especially the crew during berthing and unberthing.

The event was attended by Foscon shipping adviser Capt. Romulo Salle, Mayor Diego Ty, Board Member Richard Centino, Sangguniang Bayan Allan Laput, Port Manager Jerson Azcuna, engine cadets, crew members. Pastor Marion Ybañez officiated the blessing rites of MT Foscon Bridge.

Mayor Diego Ty said he is glad for this joint venture and welcomed Foscon Bridge to the Port of Plaridel, Misamis Occidental.

“After my assumption in 2013, I have set my focus to initiate rehabilitating this port for the benefit of the people, not only of Plaridel but for everyone that would set foot upon this place,” Ty said.

He also said that he was looking forward to more projects, which the parties can collaborate on.

Last week, Oceanjet 7 has finally arrived at the Port of Plaridel, Misamis Occidental for its Sea Test Voyage.

Plaridel is known as one of the top producers of fish and seafood in Misamis Occidental, with a 17-kilometer coastline stretching from Panalsalan to Danao.

Secondary to rice farming, fishing is one of the income contributors to the residents of Plaridel, especially those who are living within the coastal barangays.

With a new fish landing center, it is envisioned that local fishers be given the appropriate service in disposing their catches while ensuring that their products are bought in an exact price by the brokers.

The Port of Plaridel, known to be one of the key access from the Visayas to Mindanao and vice-versa has recorded a total of 43,318 passengers embarked and 42,208 disembarked, summing up to 88,526 for the first to third Quarter of 2018.

In 2017, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) have recorded a total of 60,003 passengers embarked for the Visayas and 59,011 passengers disembarked for Mindanao, summing up to 119,014 passengers. Capt. Salle said he is glad to become one of the stakeholders on.

Meanwhile, Foscon Bridge consultant and harbour pilot, board member said, “We choose the Plaridel town because this is the ideal for sheltering the depth, place and harbor protected by monsoon winds.

Centino added this new tugboat is equipped with firefighting equipment used and responded if in case of disaster emergency.

“Aside that this tugboat is very helpful from emergency, it can also contribute to the economy of Plaridel town because this tugboat pays per day gross tonnage to the PPA and the local government unit (LGU),” he said.

The tugboat is now ready for the sea trials that will take place in the next few days. (smrn/PIA Misamis Occidental)