Sunday, December 24, 2006 Ship operators reminded to help keep diseases from spreading
THE Bureau of Quarantine (BQ) has reminded shipping companies to comply with drug and equipment requirements and the bureau’s sanitation program to avoid onboard deaths and to prevent the spread of communicable diseases among passengers.
Speaking during the awarding ceremony last Dec. 18 for Cleanest Vessels of 2006, BQ Director Edgardo Sabitsana said the contest will be held every year to monitor the shipping companies’ compliance with the sanitation program.
Emmanuel Labella, BQ 7 regional head, said his agency is mandated to protect and promote the health of the people by ensuring maximum security against the spread of diseases. This prompted them to hold the contest for the cleanest vessel awards.
The different categories are cargo vessel (mainly cargo), fast craft (waterjet/propeller-powered), small ferry, big ferry, cargo/passenger vessel and luxury vessels.
The winners are mv Sulpicio Express II in the cargo category, mv Weesam 8 of SRN Fast Ferry Inc. in the fast craft category, mv Kins Cebu of Kinswell Shipping Corp. in the small ferry category, mv San Ramon de Bohol of Lite Shipping Corp. in the big ferry category, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel of Cebu Ferries Corp. in the cargo/passenger category and mv Princess of the Star of Sulpicio Lines in the luxury vessel category.
Combined efforts
Members of the inspection team were Dr. Terence Anthony Bermejo as chairman and Hazel Morala and Rose Alegarbes as members.
Director Susana K. Madarieta of the Department of Health 7 said that with the efforts of BQ and the shipping lines, vessels are now sailing with clean decks and cabins and clean food.
Dr. Fe Cabugao of the Cebu City Health Department also handed the awards to Dr. Raymundo Queroz of the mv Princess of the Star as ship medical officer of the year and Marieta Cenabre of mv Cagayan Princess as ship nurse of the year. (EOB)
