The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has reported that the cost of damages and losses due to an oil spill in Oriental Mindoro is on the brink of reaching P1 billion.
According to BFAR data, the oil slick from MT Princess Empress, which sank in February, has resulted in the damage of P445.33 million worth of fishing gear and produce, causing a profit loss of P441.25 million for around 26,000 fisherfolk.
The government has been monitoring the situation in CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Western Visayas, and providing technical support, livelihood interventions, food and relief assistance, and clean-up assistance to protect the public from hazards caused by the oil spill.
"It has also provided technical support i.e. analyzing water and seafood for contaminants and formulating science-based recommendations on fishing bans, as well as livelihood interventions, food and relief assistance, and clean-up assistance to protect the public from hazards caused by the oil spill and to address the needs of affected fisherfolk and their families," it said.
Water and seafood samples have been collected and analyzed every week. While low levels of toxins and contaminants were found in seafood samples, the BFAR has recommended keeping fishing bans in affected areas until time-series analyses are complete.
So far, P22 million worth of livelihood assistance has been allocated for affected fishing communities, and P720,945 worth of personal protective equipment and other clean-up materials have been distributed.
The oil spill has affected around 37,000 families or 178,306 people, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will be visiting Pola, one of the most affected towns, on Saturday to provide aid and receive a situation briefing from local officials.
