Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda has called for continuous coordination among all affected provinces and concerned agencies in response to the oil spill incident that occurred in Limay, Bataan on July 25.
This appeal was made during the ‘Joint NDRRMC-RDRRMC3 Emergency Meeting on the Oil Spill Incident in the Province of Bataan’ held at the RDC Hall, NEDA Building in Brgy. Maimpis, City of San Fernando on Monday, July 29.
Presided over by Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Atty. Benjamin Abalos, Jr., the meeting focused on providing updates and addressing the situation. Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor was also invited to contribute his experience from successfully managing a similar oil spill in his province last year.
“Ang dami pong dapat gawin, kailangang kumilos ang lahat. Kaya malaking bagay na nagkakaroon tayo ng pagpupulong na gaya nito dahil nagkakaroon po kami ng idea sa sitwasyon na kailangan na kailangan po namin, lalo na sa pagsasagawa ng immediate response at timely provision of assistance sa mga apektado naming kababayan,” Gov. Delta said as he appealed to the national government to continue guiding them to ensure that they are on the right track.
The said oil spill was caused by the Motor Tanker Terra Nova, which was carrying 1.4-million liters of industrial fuel. According to data presented by Bataan Governor Jose Enrique Sandejas Garcia III, all 24 valves on the tanker need to be sealed, not just the four initially identified as leaking. As of now, 14 valves have been sealed, with the remaining 10 expected to be completed by tomorrow.
Gov. Delta also stressed the need for daily situational reports to maintain accurate records.
“Especially here in Pampanga, with 23,000 hectares of fish ponds, it is critical for us leaders to determine the appropriate time to declare emergency harvesting to avoid potential losses for our fish pond owners,” Gov. Delta said.
According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), if the oil spill reaches Pampanga, the fish industry in potentially affected areas, including Lubao, Macabebe, and Sasmuan, could face an estimated loss of ₱45-million monthly.
“We need to keep in mind that the number one aquaculture is here, so there is a lot at stake po,” said Pampanga 4th District Rep. Anna York Bondoc-Sagum.
Meanwhile, Gov. Delta clarified that the oil spill has not yet reached the province: “Kaninang umaga, nakiusap ako sa Bantay Dagat ng Bataan. Inikutan nila ang area namin and as of now, clear pa rin.”
He added that the inter-agency task force created by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on July 27 is working closely to address the situation and mitigate its effects. Aside from oil spill booms made of indigenous materials, they are currently exploring other solutions.
The Pampanga Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) and municipal mayors are set to meet tomorrow to outline specific action plans to address the potential impacts of the oil spill on the province.
