By Arabella Asis
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., together with the Philippine Coast Guard, held an aerial inspection and relief distribution over the weekend in Oriental Mindoro.
During his visit, Marcos vowed a long-term rehabilitation for the affected provinces of the oil spill.
At the Laging Handa public briefing on Monday, April 17, Pola, Oriental Mindoro Mayor Jennifer Cruz shared that the local government unit (LGU) is eyeing alternative livelihood programs for the affected families.
The LGU of Pola is now working with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Labor and Employment, and Department of Trade Industry in developing alternative programs to help the fisherfolk.
Currently, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources are still prohibiting fishing in the waters off Pola.
According to Cruz, there are around 4,800 fisherfolk and families affected by the oil spill with around P130-million total casualties within the area’s shoreline.
Cruz also acknowledged the limited help they are receiving at the moment.
“Alam nating hindi sapat pero kailangan natin pagtiyagaan ang tulong ng national at ng local government kasi ‘di pwedeng laging naka nganga ang ating mga mangingisda,” she added.
Meanwhile, Cruz aired concern to the companies responsible for the oil spill.
“Malaking problema ang ginawa nila. Kailangan matuto yung mga susunod pa, kung hindi natin kakasuhan ito sino pa ang tatayo para sa mga tao at sa ating kaliakasan,” she explained.
The Pola LGU already sought help from the National Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice to file a case against the companies behind the spill. – gb