Thousands of fisherfolk in Limay, Bataan whose livelihoods were displaced by the massive oil spill last year can expect to receive compensation soon.
This was disclosed by Reelectionist Senator Francis Tolentino in a speech before Bataan residents, based on information that was shared with him by Limay Mayor Richie Jason David.
“Pinag-uusapan namin ni Mayor kanina yung oil spill. Ang balita sa akin ni Mayor ay malapit na raw magbigay ng compensation yung may-ari ng barko,” he told the audience at the assembly of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) provincial leaders and members.
(“The Mayor and I were discussing a while ago about the oil spill. He told me the news that the compensation from the ship owner is forthcoming.”)
To recall, it was Tolentino filed Senate Resolution No. 1084, which directed the Upper Chamber to probe the cause and impact of the massive oil spill from the sinking of the tanker MT Terranova off the coast of Limay, Bataan in July last year.
The catastrophe prompted local governments to prohibit fishing and the selling of fish and seashells in affected areas, displacing around 46,000 fisherfolk in the provinces of Bataan and Cavite, Metro Manila, and adjoining areas.
“Naaalala ko yan kasi noong kamakalawang linggo, namigay po ako ng bangka sa Tanza, Rosario, maging sa Naic, at Cavite City [all in Cavite province] dahil sa oil spill,” he recalled.
(“I remembered the incident because just a few weeks ago, I led the distribution of boats to fishermen's associations in Tanza, Rosario, Naic, and Cavite City [all in Cavite province] who were also affected by the oil spill.”)
He noted that the incident showed how the economies of Cavite and Bataan are closely related. And this will be further integrated with the construction of the 32-kilometer Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge, he added.
“Ganoon po yung nakikita ko na mangyayari: magiging magkakambal ang lalawigan ng Cavite at Bataan,” said the senator, while stressing the need for more initiatives to enhance the growth of industries and tourism of both provinces.
(“That's what I foresee: Cavite and Bataan would become ‘twin’ provinces sharing economic prosperity.”)