The BRP Francisco Dagohoy for the first time since it was commissioned into service in late 2017 made port call in Tagbilaran on Tuesday morning for a two-day “open house,” which allows the public to take a tour of the Philippine-made vessel.
The BRP Francisco Dagohoy’s visit to Tagbilaran City came after Department of Agriculture Sec. Manny Piñol last month vowed to bring to Bohol the vessel which was commissioned into the 16-vessel fleet of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) under the DA.
According to Alfeo Piloton, BFAR assistant director for law enforcement, the vessel was opened to the public starting 8 a.m. Tuesday and will be available for viewing until 5 p.m.
The same schedule will be followed on Wednesday.
The vessel, named after Boholano hero Francisco Sendrijas, popularly known as Francisco Dagohoy, has been part of the BFAR’s campaign against illegal fishing. It can also be used to respond during disasters and to transport food.
BRP Francsico Dagohoy was built by JOSEFA Slipways, Inc. in Navotas.
It is manned by a 60-man crew led by Philippine Coast Guard Commander Roderick Elioran.
Piloton said that the 566-ton, 50.5-meter long vessel is worth P233 million.
Prior to docking at the Tagbilaran City pier, the BRP Francsisco Dagohoy has been to Zamboanga City; Batanes; and Sta. Ana, Cagayan. (rt)