‘Retired’ PH warship to be Dinagat Islands’ first floating hotel, museum
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) —The Philippine Navy’s decommissioned warship, BRP Rizal (PS-74), will be Dinagat Island’s first floating hotel and educational museum for tourists and learners.
Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr. made the remarks as he led the preparations for the formal turnover of the decommissioned warship, Barko Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Rizal (PS-74), between the Philippine Navy and the provincial government of Dinagat Islands.
“The BRP Rizal (PS-74) has a story to tell. It served the Vietnam War during World War II prior to its donation to the Philippines. It is one of the most decorated and bravest warships of the Philippine Navy that defended the country’s sovereignty and from internal threat. It was decommissioned in 2020 in Cavite,” Gov. Demerey added. “This warship will boost tourism and economic activities as this will be another tourist and educational attraction of the province.”
Through Executive Order No. 06-06, series of 2025, a recent collaboration meeting between the two parties took place to ensure seamless processing of requirements for the much-awaited transfer of BRP Rizal (PS-74) to the Province of Dinagat Islands.
The US Navy as the initial owner of the warship, previously known as USS Murrelets, also approved the said turnover to the province.
Currently serving his 2nd term as governor of the province, Demerey changed the game in the tourism sector that resulted in a 391 percent increase in tourist arrival in Dinagat Islands. Part of his advocacy was the introduction of unique architectural designs of the province’s infrastructures, including the IJN Yamashiro – inspired People’s Hall, as the most historical and amazing provincial capitol in the country, located in Barangay Cuarinta, San Jose.
IJN Yamashiro was a Japanese battleship that sank in the waters of Dinagat Islands during the Battle of Surigao Strait in 1944 during World War II.
The provincial government will soon construct another boat-shaped building from Magellan’s Victoria, the first ship to circumnavigate the world, to serve as the province’s Tourism, Culture and Heritage Center. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from PIO Dinagat Islands)