The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) appealed to the public to donate hay, hair and coconut husks to make oil booms that will be used to contain the oil spill in Bataan and nearby areas.
In its oil spill alert advisory, the DILG Bataan said “every contribution counts and will help in resolving this crisis quickly.’’
The DILG explained the need to use oil booms to contain the oil spill and utilize skimmers to remove it from the water, adding that the chemical dispersants help dissolve the oil and dissolve it in the natural process.
In implementing the clean-up drive, the DILG stressed the urgency of the coordinated efforts and swift action of the local government units (LGUs) and the community in resolving the Bataan oil spill woes as quickly as possible.
The DILG stated that the LGUs may provide the affected communities with the badly needed support like financial assistance and alternative source of livelihood for the concerned fisherfolks and residents.
Due to the contaminated air and water, the DILG noted that the livelihood of the fisherfolk and the tourism industry of Bataan is severely affected in addition to the threat of health hazards it poses.
The DILG noted that the oil spill adversely affects marine life, where a large number of sea creatures are killed or poisoned.
“Nasira din ang mga coral reefs at mangrove areas na mahalaga sa tirahan ng mga marine species ( The coral reefs and mangrove areas which are important shelters of marine species were damaged),’’ the DILG explained.
On Thursday, July 25, the motor tanker Terranova owned by Shogun Ships Company Incorporated carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil capsized around 3.6 nautical miles or around seven kilometers east of Lamao Point in Bataan.