In light of the recent oil spill from MT Terranova off the coast of Bataan, which threatens the livelihood of over 11,000 fisherfolk and poses significant environmental risks, Atty. Nicasio Aranas Conti, former MARINA OIC Administrator, has issued a call to action for all sectors to unite in support of government-led cleanup and mitigation efforts.
“The recent oil spill is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities our coastal communities face. We must act swiftly and decisively to protect our environment and support those whose livelihoods are at risk,” stated Atty. Conti.
“This is not just a government responsibility. We need the combined efforts of the private sector, non-government organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), environmental groups, and development agencies to address the immediate and long-term impacts of this disaster.” he added.
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Conti also said that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) are at the forefront of the containment and cleanup operations.
Immediate measures, Conti said, should include deploying oil spill booms and conducting environmental assessments to monitor and mitigate the spread of the spill.
“We commend the swift action taken by our government agencies,” said Atty. Conti.
“However, the scale of this disaster requires more resources and collective action. We urge the private sector to provide financial and logistical support, and for NGOs and CSOs to mobilize community-based efforts to assist in the cleanup and provide relief to affected fisherfolk,” he added.
The economic impact on the fishing communities of Bataan, Bulacan, and Pampanga is substantial, with potential income losses estimated at P83.8 million per month for Bataan alone. Atty. Conti emphasized the need for immediate support for these communities.
“We call on all sectors to contribute to relief efforts, ensuring that affected fisherfolk receive the necessary aid to sustain their livelihoods during this critical period. This includes financial assistance, provision of alternative livelihood opportunities, and comprehensive compensation for losses incurred,” he said.
Environmental groups and scientific organizations are essential in assessing the long-term impact of the spill and implementing restoration projects. The collaboration of these groups with government agencies is crucial for effective environmental rehabilitation.
“We must prioritize the health of our marine ecosystems, which are vital to our nation’s food security and biodiversity,” Atty. Conti urged. “Continuous monitoring, rigorous scientific evaluation, and transparent reporting are necessary to guide our restoration efforts and prevent future incidents.”
Atty. Conti calls for a unified response, highlighting that the responsibility of safeguarding our environment and supporting affected communities lies with all sectors of society.
“Let us come together as a nation to address this crisis with solidarity and determination. Our collective efforts will ensure a swift recovery and build resilience against future environmental disasters. Together, we can protect our environment, support our fisherfolk, and secure a sustainable future for all.”
