Marina 7 Implements Short-Term Safety Protocols at Hagnaya Port Following Earthquake
The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) 7 has announced a series of short-term safety measures for Hagnaya Port in San Remigio, northern Cebu, aimed at enhancing operational security in the aftermath of a significant seismic event. These initiatives include regulating passenger movement during high tide conditions and deploying adjustable boarding platforms to facilitate safer vessel access.
Coordination Meeting Addresses Post-Earthquake Concerns
In a statement released on Friday, April 3, 2026, Marina 7 detailed that these measures were agreed upon during a coordination meeting held on March 31. The meeting brought together local and national stakeholders, including officials from the Philippine Coast Guard, Cebu Port Authority, the San Remigio local government, and shipping operators such as Island Shipping Corp. and Asian Marine Transport Corp. This gathering was convened in response to safety concerns that arose after the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck offshore Bogo City on September 30, 2026, which impacted nearby areas, including Hagnaya Port.
The primary focus of the discussions was on mitigating operational risks, particularly those exacerbated by high tide conditions that have been disrupting passenger movement and vessel operations. Marina 7 Director Ronaldo Bandalaria led the agency's representation, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these challenges to prevent potential incidents.
Enhanced Safety and Environmental Measures
Beyond the immediate steps of regulating passenger flow and installing adjustable boarding platforms, stakeholders committed to fostering closer coordination between vessel crew and port authorities. This collaboration is intended to ensure safer and more efficient docking and boarding procedures, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents or delays.
Environmental compliance was also a key topic at the meeting. Authorities reiterated the importance of proper waste segregation within port premises and aboard vessels, stressing that maintaining a clean and safe port environment is a shared responsibility among all parties involved. This emphasis on environmental management aligns with broader efforts to promote sustainability in maritime operations.
Unresolved Details and Future Considerations
Despite the announcement, several critical details remain unclear. Marina 7 did not specify whether there have been any reported incidents or near-misses at the port since the earthquake, nor did it provide data on how frequently high tide conditions disrupt passenger boarding and vessel docking. Additionally, the agency has not established a timeline for when the adjustable boarding platforms will be installed and become operational, nor has it identified which entity will fund and maintain this equipment.
It also remains uncertain whether permanent structural upgrades are being considered to address the recurring tide-related risks at Hagnaya Port. SunStar Cebu has attempted to seek clarification on these matters by reaching out to Marina 7 through its official Facebook page via Messenger on Sunday, April 5, but as of the posting time, no response has been received.
Commitment to Long-Term Improvements
Marina 7 affirmed that stakeholders are dedicated to implementing both short-term and long-term measures to improve safety, efficiency, and environmental management at Hagnaya Port. This commitment underscores a proactive approach to addressing the vulnerabilities exposed by the recent earthquake, with the goal of ensuring the port's resilience and functionality in the face of natural challenges.
The ongoing efforts highlight the importance of inter-agency cooperation and community involvement in safeguarding maritime infrastructure, particularly in regions prone to seismic activity and tidal fluctuations.
