MANIL A– Despite the inclement weather, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday personally handed over a total of PhP363,050,000 in financial assistance and standby funds to over 33,000 fisherfolk and their families affected by the Bataan oil spill in Cavite.
Of this amount, PhP161,510,000 in financial assistance from the Office of the President was extended to Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla. From this sum, PhP5,000 will be distributed to each affected fisherfolk and their families in the province.
President Marcos stated that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) also provided PhP18 million worth of post-harvest equipment, training, and financial assistance to the affected fisherfolk.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided PhP69.47 million in various forms of assistance, including PhP3 million in standby funds and PhP102.78 million worth of non-food items.
President Marcos noted that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has extended a total of PhP8.29 million in financial assistance to affected residents in Tanza and Naic, Cavite.
The DOLE is also offering livelihood programs to affected residents through its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program.
The Department of Health (DOH) is conducting consultations, including rapid health risk assessments and water testing, to ensure residents are safe from any harmful effects of the oil spill.
“Sa araw na ito, [ipinaaabot] ko ang aking taos-pusong pasasalamat at suporta sa mga mangingisda na naririto, kasama ang inyong mga pamilya na kaagapay ninyo sa araw-araw,” President Marcos said in his speech.
“Asahan po ninyo na ang pamahalaan ay gumagawa ng mga hakbang upang [maibsan] ang pinsalang naidulot ng mga insidenteng kagaya nito. Hangad namin na ang Presidential Assistance na aming handog sa bawat apektadong mangingisda ay makakatulong sa inyong pagbangon at magbibigay ng panibagong pag-asa,” he added.
President Marcos also mentioned that the government is investigating the oil spill incident. He assured the residents of the government’s continued assistance during these challenging times.
Motorized Tanker (MTKR) Terranova sank in the waters off Limay, Bataan, on July 25, while MTKR Jason Bradley sank in the waters off Mariveles, Bataan, on July 27. The MTKR Mirola 1, on the other hand, ran aground on the coast of Mariveles on July 31. (PCO)