305 sea vessels to join Sinulog Fluvial Parade

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard has announced that 305 vessels have registered for the upcoming Sinulog Fluvial Parade, which is scheduled for January 18, 2025, a day before the Sinulog Festival.

Ensign Abel Lomboy, information officer of the Philippine Coast Guard-7, provided the details, highlighting that the registered vessels include 217 motor bancas, 25 tug boats, 24 passenger/cargo vessels, 14 speed boats, 12 yachts, 4 cargo vessels, 3 recreational boats, 3 fishing boats, 1 fastcraft, and 1 service boat.

The fluvial parade will commence at 6 a.m. at Captain Veloso Port, Navforcen, and conclude at Pier 1 in Cebu City by 8 a.m.

This event involves the transport of the Santo Niño image back to Cebu City from Birhen sa Regla in Lapu-Lapu City, navigating through the Mactan Channel aboard the "M/V Sto. Niño de Cebu" of Medallion Transport Inc., a Roro passenger ship with a capacity of 450 passengers.

The parade is part of the Sinulog Festival and is witnessed by thousands of devotees. The PCG-7 has reminded participating vessels to adhere to the 6-8 knot speed limit and other Coast Guard guidelines.

Earlier, Commodore Weniel A. Azcuna PCG, Commander of the Coast Guard District Central Visayas (CGDCV), led a site inspection of critical points along the Cebu-Mactan Channel to ensure the safe conduct of the event.

The inspection aimed to evaluate navigational conditions, confirm safety compliance, and strengthen coordination with partner agencies.

The CGDCV emphasized the importance of strict adherence to maritime safety protocols and urged all spectators and participants to cooperate fully with authorities to ensure a meaningful and secure celebration. — (FREEMAN)