(Photo courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard)
MANILA – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Thursday said that surveillance of all drinking water resources and chemical hazards in areas affected by the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro province is ongoing.
This is part of the whole-of-nation approach in dealing with the oil spill that affected a large number of communities in Oriental Mindoro and nearby provinces to ensure that the health of residents in affected communities will not be severely impacted.
"To continuously caution the communities on the dangers of the spill, the Department of Health (DOH) has been conducting surveillance of drinking water resources and exposed individuals to chemical hazards along with the release of public health advisories," said OCD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV in a statement, following Thursday's meeting of the National Task Force on Oil Spill Management in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
The oil spill was caused by the sinking of the M/T Princess Empress off Naujan town, Oriental Mindoro last Feb. 28.
The ship was carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil at the time it sank.
Participating government agencies discussed means on how to address the impacts of the oil spill and the way forward on response operations and recovery programs for the affected families.
"Health assessments will continue to be conducted by the Centers for Health Development on the affected population along with the monitoring of the latest situation, status of response operations, and possible assistance from the DOH Central Office," Alejandro said.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that as of May 10, the estimated total length of coastline "acceptably" cleaned is now at 84.26 percent, with the remaining length of the affected coastline at 15.74 percent.
It also reported the implementation of three phases of operations which include (I) Removal of bulk oil or floating oil, (II) Removal of remaining attached oil, and (III) final polishing.
As a way forward, joint shoreline surveys and activities with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR); the collaboration with contracted oil waste collectors, other countries and international parties; and aggressive offshore containment and recovery operations will continue, the PCG added.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development reported that it has provided a total of PHP430.9 million worth of assistance through the distribution of family food packs and non-food items and through its programs such as assistance to individuals in crisis situations, emergency cash transfer, and cash for work.
While the DENR reported that a total of PHP517 million worth of early recovery assistance was distributed to 96,256 various beneficiaries in Mimaropa, Calabarzon, and Western Visayas.
It is also conducting water quality monitoring and waste management activities. Monitored shorelines have improved in terms of water quality, the department reported.
On recovery concerns, the DENR together with concerned agencies will conduct a scientific conference this June to harmonize assessment methods and post disaster needs assessment, and provide technical information on environmental impact assessment.
Meanwhile, fishing bans in Clusters 4 and 5 in Oriental Mindoro have been lifted according to the latest report of BFAR. Concerned agencies continue to implement response operations and maintain close coordination to ensure a whole-of-nation approach in addressing the impacts of the oil spill.
As of Thursday, the oil spill has affected a total of 40,733 families in Mimaropa, Calabarzon, and Western Visayas. (PNA)
