The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) is currently on its construction of two (2) units of 50.5 m offshore vessels at the Josefa Slipway, Navotas City.
The Construction of two offshore vessels is the project and spearheaded by Sec. Proceso J. Alcala (DA) and Director of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Atty. Asis Perez.
A Technical Working Group has been created in this regard with its members from the Military Group, and these are the following:
- MARINA
- PHILIPINE COAST GUARD
- PHILIPPINE NAVY
- PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE
- NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
- NATIONAL NEWS AGENCY
The government intention to build these offshore vessels is to combat the alarming illegal fishing in our territory, to also monitor closely the safety of our Philippine waters. That during calamities and emergencies these could be used for operation to rescue our fishermen.
The vessel costs PHP178.5 million each. It has passed the plans, drawings, specification and calculation in accordance with the rules and standards under the Bureau of Veritas Classification and Certification. This was designed by INCAT Crowther a reputable ship designer based in USA.
The construction would be the first of its kind in the Philippines considering that the labor force composed of all Filipino Professionals and skilled workers and the completion of its construction would only take for 18 months.
The Philippine Government did not avail or resort to any foreign loan to fund for this project. The funds come from the TAXPAYERS MONEY.
The contract was awarded to JOSEFA SLIPWAY, INC. Navotas City # (Adela G. Ida)
