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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Bayanihan' needed in oil spill containment, clean-up--Batangas solon

'Bayanihan' needed in oil spill containment, clean-up--Batangas solon

Published Mar 21, 2023 06:29 am
Batangas 2nd district Rep. Gerville Luistro wants to tap into the the Filipinos' "bayanihan spirit" in the race to save the Verde Island Passage (VIP) from the oil spill. “It is time for us to unite in bayanihan and be aggressive in containing and cleaning up the oil spill," Luistro said in a statement on Tuesday, March 21. She made the call even as a handful of municipalities in her district--Mabini, Bauan, Lobo, San Luis, San Pascual and Tingloy--have become affected by the oil spill. "I am sure the people in our district as well as the rest of Batangas, the islands of Mindoro, Romblon and nearby provinces, would volunteer and work to save the Verde Island Passage," said the lady lawmaker, who is a vice chairman of the House Committee on Tourism. Bayanihan refers to communal unity and cooperation toward a common goal. MT Princess Empress capsized last Feb. 28 off the waters of Oriental Mindoro and leaked its industrial oil cargo. Environmental conservationists were quick to identify the threat posed by the spill to the VIP, described as the most diverse marine ecosystem on earth. Luistro mentioned possible sources of funds from government agencies that could bankroll the urgent containment and cleanup. "We can tap the resources of the Department of Labor and Employment-Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (DOLE-TUPAD), Department of Social Work and Development Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations (DSWD-AICS), among other government funds for this purpose," she said. Luistro earlier filed House Bill (HB) No. 6089, which sought to declare the VIP as an ecotourism zone. She said the VIP is not just a must-see destination for local and foreign tourists, especially for divers and marine enthusiasts. As it is rich in marine life, it is likewise the main source of livelihood and fish catch of local and commercial fishermen, she noted. "We need everyone’s help to clean up and contain this oil spill. We need to preserve this wealth of marine resources, highly diverse coral reefs, pristine waters, mangrove forests, seagrass meadows and coastal environs in the [VIP]," she further said.

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Verde Island Passage gerville luistro oil spill Batangas
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