President Marcos on Wednesday announced that fishing activities in the coastal waters of Cavite province can now resume after oil that spilled out of three ill-fated tankers in July has been successfully contained.
During an aid distribution event in General Trias City, the chief executive also provided government assistance to Cavite fisherfolk whose livelihoods were severely disrupted by the three separate oil spills that took place as the country was being battered by a confluence of weather disturbances.
Each beneficiary received P6,500 while other affected fisherfolk will receive the same amount in subsequent distributions.
It can be recalled that MKTR Terranova, MTKR Jason Bradley, and MV Mirola 1 were involved in mishaps in the coastal waters of Limay and Mariveles, Bataan but their cargo of industrial fuel were carried off to nearby provinces.
“Rest assured, the government is taking steps to address the damage caused by incidents like these,” the chief executive said.
The oil spills affected over 25,000 families and disrupted the livelihoods of more than 33,000 fishermen in the province, with estimated losses amounting to over P250 million.
Mr. Marcos also announced that to aid in their recovery, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will provide P18 million worth of assistance, including post-harvest equipment, training, and financial aid for fuel.
Additionally, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already distributed nearly P70 million in relief aid to affected families.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has also contributed over P8 million to support displaced workers in Tanza and Naic under its emergency employment program.
Around 9,000 families from the cities of Cavite and Bacoor, and the municipalities of Kawit, Noveleta, Rosario, Tanza, Naic, Maragondon and Ternate received cash assistance from the Office of the President.
The distribution took place at General Trias Sports Park in Barangay Santiago.
During the event, Mr. Marcos also turned over a symbolic cheque to Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla amounting to P161.5 million for the Provincial Government of Cavite
He noted that the aid from the national government is intended to help local communities cope with the economic effects of the disaster.
The President also assured affected residents that the government is investigating the shipwrecks to hold those responsible accountable and ensure that affected residents receive compensation.
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino praised Mr. Marcos for his genuine concern for the fisherfolk and their families, stating that the aid will sustain them as they await compensation from the owner and insurer of MT Terranova.
Tolentino, a Cavite native, recently filed Senate Resolution 1084, which called for an inquiry into the massive oil spill caused by the three ships whose operation permits are now being put into question.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Marcos extends aid to oil spill-hit Cavite fisherfolk.”
