THE Naval Forces Central (Navforcen) officially concluded “Bantay Kadagatan 2025” on Friday, July 11, 2025, in Lapu-Lapu City.
Bantay Kadagatan was an exercise aimed to enhance maritime safety, security and environmental protection through strengthened inter-agency cooperation.
The closing ceremony was led by Navforcen Commander Commodore Joselito de Guzman who also served as the overall exercise director throughout the maritime initiative.
In his speech, De Guzman acknowledged each participating government agency for the vital roles they played in the success of the exercise.
Also present during the event were representatives from the Philippine Air Force, Bureau of Customs and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, along with personnel from the Coast Guard District Central Visayas, Police Maritime Group, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 7, Office of Civil Defense Region 7 and the Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, who was unable to attend the event due to pressing commitments, sent a video message to express her appreciation to the participants.
“You have protected not only our waters, but our dignity, our future and our people. It is an honor to stand before you today, not just as your governor, but as a proud daughter of Cebu,” Baricuatro said. / Frances Ibo, VSU Intern