President Marcos on Saturday, July 27, created an inter-agency task force to address the possible effects of the oil spill from MT Terra Nova, which capsized off the coast of Limay, Bataan.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. presides over a situation briefing at the Bulacan Provincial Capitol, where he formed an inter-agency task force to address the Bataan oil spill, following the onslaught of Super Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon. (Malacañang photos)
In a situation briefing at the Bulacan Provincial Capitol in Malolos City shortly after an aerial inspection of the oil spill, the President underscored the need to act swiftly and use even indigenous materials to absorb the oil.
“Simulan na natin because kahit anong mangyari, mangangailangan talaga tayo ng mga – the commercial booms, kung ano ang makuha, makuha natin. Mag offer naman ang mga iba, pero (Let’s already begin because no matter what happens, we need to—the commercial booms, whatever we can get our hands on, let’s get them. Others have offered, but) it’s not going to be enough,” he said.
“Let’s be prepared already for the time that we will have to deploy them. Actually, we should be deploying them already,” the Chief Executive added.
The task force will be led by the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as members.
The Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) were also included in the task force.
The DENR was tasked to conduct the necessary water and air quality tests on the affected area, while the DOH was ordered to check the medical conditions of the people residing in the area.
Marcos also instructed the PCG to determine the condition of the MT Terra Nova, while the DILG was asked to coordinate with the local government units (LGUs) for response.
Noting how the oil spill will impact the livelihoods of the residents, the President also ordered DOLE to implement its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program for those affected. The DSWD, on the other hand, will provide aid to the victims.
The DSWD was tasked to ensure the protection of the coastal communities and look after public welfare.
Marcos also ordered the task force to tap non-government organizations, as well as coordinate with Oriental Mindoro Gov. Bonz Dolor, who led the “successful response” to the sinking of the oil tanker MT Princess Empress in the province last year.
During the briefing, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga told Marcos that the oil spill caused by the sunken MT Terra Nova in Bataan might affect Bulacan, Cavite, and Pampanga.
The MT Terra Nova, which was headed to Iloilo, was carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel when it sank.
One person died when the motor tanker capsized.