CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu station of the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) inaugurated yesterday the newly commissioned M/L Quarantine Cebu, which will be used for quarantine inspection during entry of foreign vessels.
The vessel’s operation is in line with the partnership between the BOQ and the Department of Health to prevent the “introduction, transmission or spread of public health emergencies of international concern.”
The M/L Quarantine Cebu has 34.98 gross tonnages and 23.79 net tonnages. It has a length of 20.70 meters, a breadth of 5.20 meters and a mould depth amidships to upper deck of 2.6 meters. It was built in Tayud, Consolacion in 2008.
The BOQ has said that it will make sure that all foreign ships will first undergo quarantine inspection to ensure that cargoes and crew are not contaminated with any virus from any diseases.
This is to prevent or at least minimize the impact of another phenomenon like the outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1), which has already affected thousands of Filipinos. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/LPM (FREEMAN NEWS)