Alabat launches enhanced safety measures for Bantay Dagat

By Shai Garcia Alabat's dedicated Bantay Dagat volunteers receive new life jackets and accident insurance from the local government to e...

By Shai Garcia

Alabat's dedicated Bantay Dagat volunteers receive new life jackets and accident insurance from the local government to enhance their safety while protecting the town’s coastal resources. (Alabat PIO)

ALABAT, Quezon - In a bid to safeguard the dedicated marine patrol volunteers of Alabat, known locally as Bantay Dagat, the local government has rolled out a comprehensive safety initiative on July 28. This crucial move includes providing accident insurance and life-saving gear, directly protecting the selfless volunteers who tirelessly work to preserve the town's coastal resources.

Mayor Eizelle "Ays" Avellano-Canimo formally announced the provision of the Accident and Dismemberment Security Scheme (ADS2) for Bantay Dagat members, in partnership with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC). The scheme aims to offer financial protection to volunteers in case of unforeseen injuries while performing their duties at sea.



“Hindi lang ito polisiya, ito ay pagkalinga,” ayon kay Mayor Ays. “Ang Bantay Dagat ay ang ating mga tahimik na bayani. Sa programang ito, nais naming kilalanin ang inyong serbisyo.” Mayor Ays emphasized that this is a concrete step toward recognizing the vital work of Bantay Dagat who quietly protect Alabat's coastal resources with courage and selflessness.

In parallel with the insurance coverage, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), led by Charles Anthony Daniel, distributed life jackets to enhance the physical safety of patrol members during their operations. “Ang pagbibigay proteksyon sa kanila ay kaparehong paraan ng pagprotekta sa ating karagatan,” ani Daniel. “Sila ang pumipigil sa mga ilegal na aktibidad at nagliligtas sa ating yamang-dagat para sa ating kinabukasan.”

The initiative comes at a critical time, as the Bantay Dagat volunteers face increasing risks from illegal fishing activities and unpredictable weather conditions. With the new insurance and safety equipment, the municipality hopes to not only protect its environmental frontliners but also to encourage more community members to participate in the crucial work of marine preservation.

These efforts underscore the municipality's unwavering commitment to the welfare of local environmental frontliners, in alignment with the broader public service agenda, #AlayAysSerbisyo, a program focused on building a safer, more resilient, and progressive Alabat. The initiative is being hailed as a significant stride in strengthening the support system for grassroots environmental guardians whose work often goes unseen but remains invaluable.