New Patrol Boat for Kalayaan Fishers complete sea trial in Lucena City

The boat, a product of coordination between environmental legal group Tanggol Kalikasan and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), was specifically designed to assist in patrolling against illegal fishing and enforcing maritime laws in Kalayaan, a Palawan municipality located in the Spratly Islands.

“Sa totoo lang po sa performance na nakita po namin, pwede na nga po namin iuwi ’yan sa Kalayaan,” said Noli Verdeflor, a boat captain and municipal representative of Kalayaan who personally participated in the trial.

He cited the vessel’s speed and durability as key advantages for local enforcers and fishers operating in an area with minimal state presence but frequent unauthorized incursions.

The TK Boat, as it is referred to by the team behind its construction, was described as a significant milestone by those involved in its development.

“Sa wakas natupad na rin at natapos ang proseso ng paggawa ng isang bangkang tunay na gawang Pinoy!” said Raymon Villalon, Assistant Program Officer of Tanggol Kalikasan.

“The boat performed magnificently, exceeding our expectations in several key aspects.”

Kalayaan, one of the smallest and most isolated municipalities in the Philippines, lies at the center of geopolitical tensions and marine resource exploitation. Its fishers and local officials have repeatedly called for improved logistical and enforcement support.

According to the developers, the boat was crafted through extensive planning and field consultations.

Glenn Forbes, president of Tanggol Kalikasan, called it an essential part of the organization’s mission to “protect nature and marine resources.” Villalon added that the boat’s construction reflected “the dedication of the entire team” and that they are confident it is ready for service.

National and regional BFAR officials were also present during the sea trial. Pierre Easter L. Velasco, National Focal Person for the agency’s F/B Pagbabago Livelihood Development Program, said the patrol boat represents more than equipment.

“It’s a simbolo ng pag-asa at pagbabago para sa mga mangingisda sa Kalayaan,” Velasco said, emphasizing that the vessel’s speed and stability would improve fisher safety and help strengthen their livelihood base.

The patrol boat’s introduction also aligns with broader efforts by BFAR to expand fisheries law enforcement in hard-to-reach areas.

“Ang pagkakaloob ng patrol boat na ito ay isang malaking tulong sa kanilang kakayahan sa pagpapatupad ng batas sa Kalayaan,” said Allan Castillo, Chief Fishing Regulations Officer of BFAR Calabarzon.

He added that Kalayaan remains “isa sa pinakamahalagang marine area ng bansa,” and called the initiative “konkretong halimbawa ng public-private partnership para sa kapakinabangan ng karagatan at patunay na nagkakaisa ang pamahalaan at civil society para sa iisang layunin.”

The final deployment schedule has yet to be announced, but partners from both civil society and government say the boat is ready for immediate field use.

Once sent to Kalayaan, it will become one of the few maritime assets operated at the municipal level in a highly contested maritime zone.