The permit to operate the Sum-ag Floating Restaurant, a project of the Bacolod City Government, is presently being worked out by the contractor, Stoneworks Specialist International Corp., with the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) in Manila.
Lawyer John N. Orola Jr., the city’s consultant on trade, tourism and investment, in a press statement, said as soon as Certificate of Ownership and Certificate of Philippine Registry (CO-CPR) is completed including the bay and river clearance, it could be officially turned over to the local government.
Orola said Stoneworks’ account officer informed him Tuesday, September 28, that the Marina is scheduled to release the necessary documents such as the CO-CPR this week for the Floating Restaurant project.
The consultant said he reported this development to Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Sum-ag Punong Barangay Rodney Carmona.
Orola is proposing the conversion of the floating restaurant into a livelihood floating center/boat in coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
“We want to train fisherfolk in the barangay and its surrounding areas for any project that can provide employment, livelihood and business especially those in the marginalized sector,” he added.
It is required that all ships or boats of domestic ownership plying the Philippine waters, regardless of size and utilization must be properly registered and issued a CO-CPR.
“Ships such as PWC, WIG, amphibian, submarine, hydrofoil, hovercraft, floating restaurants, tandem push boat and mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) shall be registered and issued CO-CPR,” Orola said, adding that as “soon as the project is turned over to the city, all systems go for its operation.” (EPN)