President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said his administration will give priority attention to the problems that cropped up during the oil spill crisis in Oriental Mindoro, such as the source of potable water for local communities and people's livelihood. *President Marcos assured the people of Mindoro Oriental of the government's continued assistance as the oil spill recovery continues. (Malacañang photos)*
Marcos said this amid the government's continued response to the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro and nearby areas. In a speech in Pola town, the President said that his administration would seize the opportunity to develop the province's infrastructures, businesses, and industries, particularly as the aid comes in. “Asahan po ninyo na ang national government, nandito po kaming lahat upang alalayan ang sitwasyon ninyo dito (Rest assured that the national government is here to assist you in your situation here)," he said. "Asahan ninyo na hindi titigil ‘yan hanggang kayo’y nakabangon na (You can expect that this will not stop until you've completely recovered)," he added. Marcos arrived in Pola on Saturday morning to inspect the oil spill's damage and ensure that the government rehabilitation efforts are continuing and benefiting the local population. After more than a month of containment and rehabilitation efforts, the President said the government had strengthened its response to the oil spill with the help of its foreign partners from Japan, the United States, and South Korea, as well as international disaster agencies and organizations.

Power crisis

Meanwhile, President Marcos told reporters that the government is looking into constructing renewable energy sources in Mindoro Oriental to address the frequent power outages. “Yung solar kahit saan naman sa Pilipinas puwede nating gamitin. Yung wind power pinag-aaralan nila (Solar energy can be used anywhere in the Philippines. They're studying wind power, too)," he said. "Baka puwede din dito para hindi na umaasa ang Mindoro sa ibang lugar para sa kanilang kuryente (Perhaps that would work here so Mindoro won't have to rely on other areas for their power needs),” he added. According to the President, the government is also eyeing submarine cables to ensure a stable power supply in the province.