Pola, Oriental Mindoro Mayor Jennifer Cruz on Sunday appealed for alternative livelihood programs for residents affected by the oil spill from the capsized oil tanker.
Interviewed during DZRH's Maynila, Ito ang Pilipinas, Cruz said that the number of residents whose livelihoods were affected has greatly increased.
She said many tourism establishments have temporarily halted their operations.
"Sympre ine-expect natin na this Summer, mga nasa around 22,000, the usual, ang dumarating sa atin na mga turista. Pero this time, wala po talaga kasi nag-cancel ang mga resorts natin lalo na 'yung mga events," Cruz said.
Many fisherfolks also lost daily income since fishing ventures are temporarily banned.
"Kailangan natin ng livelihood program ng pang matagalan na kahit tumagal ito hanggang six months to one year, at least meron tayong alternative na trabaho para sa kanila," she underlined.
The Pola Mayor said national government agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Employment (DOLE) have already visited the town and extended their assistance.
She said she is just waiting for the Department of Agriculture (DA) to provide long-term livelihood programs like coconut husk making.
Cruz, meanwhile, said that she would not expect help from RDC Reield Marine Services, the owner of the capsized MT Princess Empress.
"Ang sabi ko nga, bahala na ang NBI [National Bureau of Investigation] at DOJ [Department of Justice] Secretary kung paano papanagutin ang may-ari ng [MPrincess Empress," she added.
Last Friday, oil slicks from the sunken tanker were reportedly spotted at the coasts of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, along the Verde Island Passage (VIP).
The UP Marine Science Institute (UPMSI) has stressed the need to control the spread of the oil spill before the end of the Amihan season.
"Otherwise more critical biodiversity areas along the Verde Island Passage may be affected," it said in its latest bulletin update on Sunday.
