PCG: Fluvial dry run meets target

A successful dry run for the traditional fluvial procession, one of the major highlights of the annual Feast of Señor Santo Niño, was conducted on Friday, January 9, as part of the preparations for the 461st Fiesta Señor.

- Nicholas Jon Malaga and Kristin de Dios/FPL

The fluvial procession scheduled on January 17 will feature the MV Lite Ferry 10 as the official galleon carrying the images of the Sagrada Familia—Señor Santo Niño, Birhen sa Guadalupe, and St. Joseph. The ro-ro passenger vessel, owned by Lite Shipping Corporation, was built in 2024 and currently serves local routes in the country.

Yesterday's dry run was led by the Augustinian Friars of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, in coordination with the Coast Guard District Central Visayas and Naval Forces Central. Organizers said the dry run concluded smoothly, with only minor adjustments identified to further improve coordination and execution during the actual procession.

Coast Guard Station Central Visayas commander Captain Jerome Lozada said the dry run achieved its target travel time of one hour and 30 minutes from Lapu-Lapu City to Pier 1 in Cebu City.

"Overall naman, commendable naman ang atong dry run. We're able to perform and we're able to achieve ang atong targets, particularly in the timing para makuha nato ang proper timing as we depart from the navy padung sa atong destination sa Pier 1," Lozada told reporters.

He said the galleon maintained a speed of five knots, or about nine kilometers per hour, to meet the target schedule, departing at 6 a.m. and arriving in time for the 8 a.m. Mass at the Basilica.

Lozada said the dry run also helped identify areas for improvement, including the proper positioning and maneuvering of participating vessels, which will continue to be practiced ahead of the event. He added that several sea marshal vessels from Manila are expected to arrive starting next week to help maintain order at sea.

As of the initial count, around 180 marine vessels have already registered to join the fluvial procession. Lozada said the number is expected to reach or even exceed 350, similar to last year's turnout.