CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) – The Department of Health – Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Calabarzon advised residents of coastal towns in Cavite to take necessary precautions to avoid possible health risks associated with the reported oil spill near Manila Bay.
In an advisory released on Wednesday, DOH Assistant Secretary and concurrent Calabarzon Regional Director Ariel Valencia discouraged residents from eating any fish, shellfish, and other marine food items from their areas as these may have been contaminated by the oil spill.
“We are reminding the people of Cavite to be careful. As much as possible, don’t eat any sea food for now. The fish may have been affected by the oil spill, which may cause food poisoning,” Valencia said.
He also advised the public to avoid areas affected by the oil spill as exposure to contaminated water and air may lead to a variety of health issues including skin irritation, blisters, burns, peeling skin and dermatitis.
The oil spill caused by MT Terra Nova, which sank on July 25, continues to spread to the sea coast of Cavite, affecting the municipalities of Kawit, Noveleta, Rosario, Tanza, Naic, Maragondon, and Ternate, as well as the cities of Bacoor and Cavite.
Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla has declared a state of calamity in the affected areas. Additionally, a No-Catch Zone for all shellfish directive has been implemented to avoid any potential health risks to the public.
“The province is declaring a State of Calamity in these areas. The province is also declaring a No-Catch Zone for all shellfish (mussels, crabs, crabs, halaan) in our vicinity. The Cavite government is currently meeting for the immediate distribution of relief goods for the 25,000 affected fishermen,” Remulla announced in a social media post.
Meanwhile, the Cavite Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) convened together with officials of the nine affected coastal local government units and laid down measures to address the ongoing oil spill crisis. These measures are aimed at mitigating the impact of the spill, protecting public health, and ensuring effective response to the crisis.
Office of Civil Defense (OCD) CALABARZON Regional Director and RDRRMC Chairperson Carlos Eduardo E. Alvarez III assured the province of their full support and assistance to lessen the impact of the oil spill. (AM/PIA-4A; with reports from HEPU DOH CHD Calabarzon)