Participants may now register for fluvial parade

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard is calling on interested participants for this year’s Sinulog Fluvial Parade to start registering after the deadline was set for January 12.

As of yesterday, Coast Guard District Central Eastern Visayas commander Anelito Gabisan said only two participants have officially registered while seven applications are still pending before their office.

Gabisan said that most of the participants are fond of registering at the last minute but it is better to register ahead so the Coast Guard will have ample time to prepare for the expected crowd.

The Coast Guard held a final meeting with sea marshals and partner agencies yesterday to finalize things to be done to ensure that all goes well on January 16.

The Sinulog Fluvial Parade will start at 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on January 16 following the same route as last year.

Gabisan said that they will strictly impose the “no registration-no participation” policy as only those declared seaworthy will be registered at the PCG.

He said the Coast Guard will tighten security for this year’s event to avoid a repetition of last year’s incident when a motorized boat reportedly capsized during the parade.

Gabisan said that all firecrackers and other pyrotechnics materials will be completely banned as a safety measure to avoid occurrence of fire onboard which reportedly caused the sinking of M/B Kenneth and Kyle.

M/B Kenneth and Kyle, Gabisan said, was not a registered participant and it is not yet determined how she was able to join.

The Coast Guard will designate uniformed barrier patrollers from the Navy. Safety nets will be installed throughout the perimeter for a safer and more organized parade.

Gabisan said there is no limit to the number of participants who will be allowed to join this year’s traditional visit of the image of Sto. Niño in Lapu-Lapu.

The limitation will be on the number of persons allowed onboard each craft that shall depend on the gross tonnage of the craft.

The orientation for all participants will be on January 13.

Around 80 to 100 sea marshals in 35 tug boats will be assigned to take charge of the security and peace and order.

Gabisan said that they have already informed arriving and departing commercial passenger and cargo vessels that day of the schedule. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/BRP (THE FREEMAN)