Maritime Safety Services Unit SEM

19/08/2025

GUIDING THE DAWN: LIGHTHOUSE OF PUSAN POINT (MSSU SEM)

The lighthouse of Pusan Point, located at the far eastern edge of Mindanao, where the Pacific first greets the Philippines each morning, a solitary sentinel is more than a beacon for mariners, it is a witness to history, a guardian of the coast, and a symbol of humanity’s quiet defiance against the vastness of the sea.

Perched on the cliffs of Barangay Santiago, Caraga, Davao Oriental, the lighthouse commands an unrivaled view of the endless blue. It was here, in the year 2000, that the world’s very first rays of the New Millennium Sunrise painted the horizon in gold. The lighthouse, steadfast as ever, watched as history unfolded, its beam guiding ships in the darkness, and its tower standing witness to the first light of a new era.

In 2016, the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental and the Department of Tourism gave the surrounding headland a new life as the Pusan Point Eco-Park and Science Discovery Center. Yet, even among the planetarium domes, galaxy walks, and interactive exhibits, the lighthouse remains the heart of the park, a reminder that before technology and tourism, it was light that saved lives here.

Pusan Point actually boasts two historic lighthouses, each carrying decades of maritime memory. Their whitewashed walls have faced tempests and typhoons; their beams have cut through fog and storm, a silent reassurance to fishermen and cargo vessels navigating the restless Pacific. From September to December, when towering waves crash against the limestone cliffs, the lighthouses stand firm, salt spray swirling around them like nature’s own fireworks.

Visitors often find themselves drawn to the foot of the tower, tracing its iron railings and imagining the keepers who once climbed its spiral steps to tend the flame. Photographers adore it, its silhouette against the crimson sunrise makes for a frame so striking it could grace the cover of any travel magazine. Campers pitch tents nearby, eager to wake up to the first burst of sunlight crowning the lighthouse like a halo.

The surrounding eco-park complements the experience: the Jubilee Cross standing as a spiritual landmark, the meditation kiosk offering moments of quiet reflection, and the amphitheater serving as a gathering place for storytelling under the stars. But it’s the lighthouse, resilient, watchful, and timeless, that leaves the most lasting impression.

Here at Pusan Point, the lighthouse does not merely light the way for sailors, it illuminates the soul of the place itself. It is a promise that no matter how dark the night, there will always be a guiding light when the dawn comes.

13/08/2025

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GUIDING THE DAWN: LIGHTHOUSE OF PUSAN POINT (MSSU SEM)

The lighthouse of Pusan Point, located at the far eastern edge of Mindanao, where the Pacific first greets the Philippines each morning, a solitary sentinel is more than a beacon for mariners, it is a witness to history, a guardian of the coast, and a symbol of humanity’s quiet defiance against the vastness of the sea.

Perched on the cliffs of Barangay Santiago, Caraga, Davao Oriental, the lighthouse commands an unrivaled view of the endless blue. It was here, in the year 2000, that the world’s very first rays of the New Millennium Sunrise painted the horizon in gold. The lighthouse, steadfast as ever, watched as history unfolded, its beam guiding ships in the darkness, and its tower standing witness to the first light of a new era.

In 2016, the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental and the Department of Tourism gave the surrounding headland a new life as the Pusan Point Eco-Park and Science Discovery Center. Yet, even among the planetarium domes, galaxy walks, and interactive exhibits, the lighthouse remains the heart of the park, a reminder that before technology and tourism, it was light that saved lives here.

Pusan Point actually boasts two historic lighthouses, each carrying decades of maritime memory. Their whitewashed walls have faced tempests and typhoons; their beams have cut through fog and storm, a silent reassurance to fishermen and cargo vessels navigating the restless Pacific. From September to December, when towering waves crash against the limestone cliffs, the lighthouses stand firm, salt spray swirling around them like nature’s own fireworks.

Visitors often find themselves drawn to the foot of the tower, tracing its iron railings and imagining the keepers who once climbed its spiral steps to tend the flame. Photographers adore it, its silhouette against the crimson sunrise makes for a frame so striking it could grace the cover of any travel magazine. Campers pitch tents nearby, eager to wake up to the first burst of sunlight crowning the lighthouse like a halo.

The surrounding eco-park complements the experience: the Jubilee Cross standing as a spiritual landmark, the meditation kiosk offering moments of quiet reflection, and the amphitheater serving as a gathering place for storytelling under the stars. But it’s the lighthouse, resilient, watchful, and timeless, that leaves the most lasting impression.

Here at Pusan Point, the lighthouse does not merely light the way for sailors, it illuminates the soul of the place itself. It is a promise that no matter how dark the night, there will always be a guiding light when the dawn comes.

05/12/2024

MARINA Press Release
05 December 2024
𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐀, 𝐏𝐂𝐆 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐫, 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐀-𝐏𝐂𝐆 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦
Manila, Philippines – The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing maritime safety and security through the 2nd MARINA-PCG Forum on 02 December 2024.
The event, themed “Combined Strategies for Enhancing Maritime Safety Towards a Safer and Sustainable Maritime Industry,” brought together key officials from both institutions to discuss pressing issues and explore collaborative solutions.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan highlighted the importance of strong cooperation and excellent relationship between the two agencies, emphasizing the need for open communication and alignment of regulations to ensure a more efficient, safe and secure maritime industry.
MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan echoed the sentiment, underscoring the significance of inter-agency collaboration in addressing the evolving challenges faced by the Philippine maritime sector. She reiterated MARINA’s commitment to working closely with the PCG to build a strong and resilient maritime industry that can meet the demands of the modern era.
The forum provided a platform for both agencies to share insights and discuss critical topics such as salvage, wreck removal, ship breaking, maritime casualties, and the regulation of recreational boats watercraft.
CG Vice Admiral Joseph M. Coyme concluded the forum by expressing gratitude for MARINA’s continued support and emphasizing the importance of strengthening the partnership between the two agencies. By working together, the MARINA and PCG aim to create a safer and more sustainable maritime industry for the Philippines.
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27/11/2024

23/10/2024

MSSU-SEM proudly congratulates LKI Geofrey C. Dasas for being honored as one of the distinguished awardees during the 123rd Philippine Coast Guard Founding Anniversary on 22 October 2024, held at Pier 15, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila.

LKI Dasas was bestowed with the prestigious Lighthouse Keeper of the Year award, a testament to his exceptional service and commitment to maritime safety. His dedication to maintaining the highest standards of operation at his station has not only ensured the safety of countless vessels but also upheld the proud traditions of the Philippine Coast Guard. Congratulations, LKI Dasas! Your hard work and passion continue to be an inspiration to us all.

17/10/2024

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰?

The 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘨 𝘙𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘓𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 was the first light station in the Philippines when it was established in 1642. The first lighthouse tower in the country was erected in the station and first lit in 1846. It was then located on the north jetty at the mouth of the Pasig River in San Nicolas, Manila, marking the entrance of the river for vessels cruising Manila Bay, looking to dock on the inland Port of Manila that was then located along the banks of the Pasig River in Binondo and Intramuros.

The first lighthouse, which was known locally as Farola (Spanish for "lighthouse"), was one of the most conspicuous landmarks in the harbor of Manila from the time it was built till the early part of 20th century. The construction and land reclamation of the new Port of Manila along Manila Bay, south of the light station, and the subsequent expansion and reclamation north and west of the tower, had greatly altered the location of the lighthouse, obscuring the light from the wide expanse of Manila Bay. Its former location and the location of its replacement tower is about 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) upriver from the present mouth of the river.

𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦: 𝘞𝘪𝘬𝘪𝘱𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢