Pampanga Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda convened the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) and municipal mayors on Tuesday at the Kingsborough International Convention Center to discuss preventive measures against the Bataan oil spill.
During the meeting, the governor instructed the mayors of potentially affected municipalities—Lubao, Macabebe, Sasmuan, Masantol, Minalin, and Guagua—to closely monitor their areas to prevent the oil spill from reaching Pampanga’s waters.
“Sabi ko sa mayors natin, kausapin nila ang mga barangay especially ang mga fish pond owner. Dahil ‘di natin masasabi kung saan tatakbo itong oil spill na ‘to. ‘Pag ang hangin bumanda sa ‘tin, baka sa ‘tin mapunta ‘tong oil spill na ‘to. Pinoproteksyunan ko lang din po ang mga fish pond owner natin, kasi once na umabot sa shoreline, baka malugi ‘tong fish pond owners natin na ayaw naman nating mangyari,” said Gov. Delta.
Despite the threat of the oil spill, Gov. Delta reassured the public that Pampanga remains free of contamination, and its seafood is still safe for consumption.
“Safe pa po ang seafoods natin. Ginagawa ko lang po itong coordination meetings with LGUs para po agapan ang pag-abot ng problema sa probinsiya natin, para handa po tayong lahat at alam po natin ang mga dapat gawin,” said Gov. Delta.
He also called for public participation in collecting raw materials for producing oil spill booms, which will be used to block the oil spill from entering the province.
To address the potential impact of the oil spill, the provincial government will procure personal protective equipment (PPE), rubber gloves, and N95 respirators for cleaning efforts. They have also set up logistical support, planned for the installation of oil spill booms, and will provide jerry cans for potable water to affected communities.