Davao City Government Issues Safety Alert to Fisherfolk Following Series of Maritime Accidents
The City Agriculturist Office (Cagro) of Davao City has issued a strong advisory urging local fisherfolk to maintain constant vigilance in light of multiple recent water vessel capsizing incidents across the Philippines. During the ISpeak media forum held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the City Mayor's Office, fisheries head Aimee Evora emphasized the critical need for caution among fishing communities.
Essential Safety Precautions and Weather Awareness
Evora stressed that fisherfolk must always exercise extreme care, noting that weather conditions can deteriorate rapidly even after setting sail under seemingly fair skies. "We strongly advise them to listen to weather advisories so they will be aware of whether it is safe for them to go fishing," she stated. This proactive approach to monitoring meteorological updates is deemed vital for preventing accidents at sea.
In addition to weather vigilance, Evora encouraged fisherfolk to secure insurance coverage for their motorized vessels through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC). This national government program is specifically designed to protect vulnerable agricultural and fisheries sectors, providing financial recourse in cases of accidents or damage.
Recent Maritime Incidents Highlight Dangers
The safety reminder follows several tragic maritime events that have occurred in Philippine waters:
- On January 19, 2026, the motorbanca MBCA Amejara capsized in Davao Gulf after departing Santa Ana Wharf without proper permits and encountering rough seas. Search and rescue operations continue.
- On January 23, the Singapore-flagged cargo vessel M/V Devon Bay capsized near Scarborough Shoal, approximately 140 nautical miles west of Pangasinan, while transporting iron ore to China amid technical difficulties and severe sea conditions.
- On January 25, the triple-decker ferry MV Trisha Kerstin 3 capsized near Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan province, off the Zamboanga Peninsula.
- Also on January 25, the motorbanca MBCA Vher Marie capsized during the Feast of San Sebastian fluvial procession in Barangay Maytalang I, Lumban, Laguna. Despite Philippine Coast Guard presence, turbulent conditions caused by intensified river currents led to the incident, though all 48 passengers were safely rescued.
Registration and Licensing Initiatives
Cagro reported significant registration activity in 2025, with 1,611 fishing licenses and 998 boat registrations issued. Approximately 6,000 registered fisherfolk in Davao City are currently engaged in various activities including aquaculture, mariculture, fish farming, and fish processing.
Evora urged unregistered fisherfolk or those with expired licenses to complete their documentation during scheduled barangay visits from February to March 2026. These visits will be coordinated with fishing communities and the Philippine Coast Guard to facilitate the process.
The registration requirements are straightforward: applicants need to present their cedula, complete a registration form, and show any old licenses. Fees remain affordable at ₱50 for fishing licenses, ₱70 for motorized boat registration, and ₱50 for non-motorized vessels.
This comprehensive approach combining safety education, insurance promotion, and registration facilitation demonstrates Davao City's commitment to protecting its fishing communities amid challenging maritime conditions.
