The municipal government of Pola in Oriental Mindoro province is still working on the livelihood programs to be given to over 4,000 fisherfolk who were affected by the oil spill in the area.

In a televised public briefing on Monday, Pola Mayor Jennifer Cruz disclosed they are still waiting for additional livelihood programs.

“Although may binigay na pauna ang DBM [Department of Budget and Management], hinihintay natin yung iba, hindi pwedeng ganun lang kaliit, kelangan kasi sa 4,800 na fisherfolk, kelangan kasi mas ayusin namin ‘yung programa (Although the DBM provided [livelihood programs] earlier, we’re waiting for others, we can’t just have few [programs], we need a better program for 4,800 fisherfolk),” she said.

Cruz reported the shorelines in the area would need three more months to be cleaned thoroughly as the experts involved in the operation plan to use new technology to finish the task.

Nonetheless, some fisherfolk were already able to catch fish for their daily needs.

The distribution of food items from the Department of Social Welfare and Devolpment has stopped since the provincial government announced the resumption of fishing in the area.

All fisherfolk were able to benefit from the 15 days cash-for-work program, Cruz said.

Tourism businesses that were affected by the oil spill are given continuous seminars by the local government in case tourists flock the shorelines of Pola again, she added.

She also ecouraged travelers to visit the famous old houses in their locality if they are still wary of swimming the waters.

“Meron tayong itinayo na ‘Krus ng Kalikasan’, siguro ‘yun muna ang alternative. Hinihikayat natin na tulungan kaming umangat ang turismo ulit dun sa mga tao na mahilig magbakasyon (We have erected a ‘Krus ng Kalikasan’, that could be an alternative. I urge those who love going on vacation to help our tourism rise again),” she said.

Oriental Mindoro was affected by an oil spill on Feb. 28 after the oil tanker MT Princess Empress sank while carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel. (PNA) 

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