By Alec Go
The Department of Tourism (DOT) reported on Monday, March 6, that several tourist spots in the country have been affected by the oil spill in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
The DOT said coastal cleanup operations are ongoing to prevent further damage.
Based on initial information, the DOT said the following marine protected areas were affected in Pola town in Oriental Mindoro:
- KingFisher Reserve
- St. John the Baptist Marine Sanctuary
- Song of the Sea Fish Sanctuary
- Stella Mariz Fish Sanctuary
- Bacawan Fish Sanctuary
- St. Peter the Rock Fish Sanctuary
- San Isidro Labrador Fish Sanctuary
Also affected are the following beach resorts:
- Bihiya Beach
- 3 Cottage
- Long Beach K. I
- Aguada Beach Resort
- Oloroso Beach Resort
- Munting Buhangin Tagumpay Beach Resort
- Buhay na Tubig White Beach Resort
Despite the spill reaching the shorelines of Caluya, Antique, the DOT said no tourist attractions have been affected so far.
The spill has reached the shorelines of Sitio Sabang, Barangay Tinogbo, Liwagao Island, Barangay Sibolo, and Sitio Tambak in Barangay Semirara.
No monitored effects of the spill were monitored in Boracay, but the island is already preparing for any possible oil spill effects, with regular monitoring and the placement of slick booms in strategic areas.
Tourist destinations in Naujan, Victoria, and Pinamalayan in Oriental Mindoro were also unaffected so far.
“Anent this, the DOT notes with seriousness the oil spill incident and its grave impact on the tourism industry, including disruptions in the livelihood of the affected communities, tourism-dependent businesses, and recreational activities,” DOT Secretary Christina Frasco said.
“Scuba diving, beach, and cruise tourism depend on the region’s coastal resources, and are also its major tourism products,” she continued.
Frasco said unmitigated oil spill effects may damage world-class diving spots, such as the Verde Island passage and Apo Reef in Mindoro, Coron’s World War II Wrecks, and Philippine Dugong.
Cruise tourism may also be affected with 34 cruise ships expected in Mimaropa this year.
The agency said it will continue to work with other government agencies “in searching for urgent mitigating measures to address the harmful effects of the incident to marine life, world-class dive sites, and tourist attractions.” – gb
