Response actions for Bataan oil spill continues in Cavite
More than a week after the sinking of MT Terra Nova, the Province of Cavite remains steadfast in its efforts to assist the communities affected by the oil spill across its nine coastal cities and municipalities. The provincial government continues to provide much-needed aid while undertaking measures to protect the coastal environment and public health.
Governor Jonvic Remulla welcomed and expressed gratitude to the delegation from the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) headed by OIC-Director Isidro M. Velayo, Jr. during their visit in Noveleta earlier today, to distribute relief assistance to the 1,600 affected fisherfolks in the municipality. He was joined by AGIMAT Partylist Representative Bryan Revilla and other officials from the First District, led by Representative Jolo Revilla.
In addition, the Provincial Government of Cavite conducted a simultaneous distribution of relief goods in the municipality of Rosario, benefiting 5,631 fisherfolk who have yet to resume their regular livelihood due to the ongoing impact of the oil spill. Relief goods for affected fisherfolk in all nine affected coastal areas were also already delivered through the respective Local Government Units (LGUs) to ensure that all identified beneficiaries receive timely assistance.
Efforts to control the spread of the oil spill continue at the surrounding area in Bataan and in Cavite waters, with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) playing a key role. On August 2, the PCG installed a 300-meter improvised oil spill boom at the Pawikan Hatching Area in Brgy. Bucana, Ternate, supplementing the booms previously deployed at other critical sites across the province.
Meanwhile, the local government of Bauan, Batangas, through Municipal Administrator Ava Beatrice Jackqueline C. Talag, demonstrated solidarity by donating 78 improvised oil spill booms and 81 sacks of coconut husks, which can be used to fabricate additional booms. The donation was accepted by Provincial Administrator Rodel Vincent T. Bae on behalf of Governor Remulla, who expressed sincere appreciation for Bauan LGU’s support.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office IV-A has also extended its assistance by providing additional relief packages to the affected families in Cavite’s coastal communities. The hauling of these goods is currently underway, with the Philippine National Police and the Army Reserve Command augmenting the PGC’s workforce to ensure efficient distribution.
Continuous monitoring, water sampling ang coastal clean up are being done with the assistance of DENR 4A (PENRO and EMB), OPENRO, PCG and concerned LGUs thru their MENROs.
These collective efforts reflect the unwavering commitment of the Provincial Government of Cavite and all involved agencies to support and assist the affected communities.— Eve M. Reyes
