President Rodrigo Duterte commissioned two units of 50.5-meter multi-mission vessels under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on December 21, 2017.

The commissioning of BRP Lapu-Lapu (MMOV 5001) and BRP Francisco Dagohoy (MMOV 5002) coincided with the launching of the Bigas-Mais or Rice and Corn Blend.

The two new floating assets will be added to BFAR’s existing vessels deployed to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF) in the country. It will be also utilized for research and survey operations, and for livelihood support to far-flung island costal communities.

According to Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol the acquisition of the floating vessels will help the department to transport agricultural products from remote areas to population centers.

It was designed by internationally known ship designer, INCAT CROWTHER, and built by Filipino ship-building company, Josefa Slipways, Inc.

“These vessels were built to withstand 24-hour continuous, multi-purpose operations and are capable of remaining on station for 30 days,” Piñol said.

Sec. Piñol said BFAR will build two more vessels every year starting by 2019 to 2022.