Capitol to join Cordova oil spill cleanup today

CEBU, Philippines - Not everyone will have a special non-working holiday in commemoration of the 30th death anniversary of the former Senator Benigno Simeon “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. especially the officials, department heads and employees of the Capitol who all are required to take part in the urgent cleanup operation at the shoreline of Cordova.

The oil spill caused by the recent sea tragedy off Lawis Ledge is now wreaking havoc in the barangays of the town.

Provincial Administrator Mark Tolentino yesterday released a memorandum requesting all officials and Capitol employees to participate in the activity.

The officers and board of directors of the Provincial Employees Association of Cebu (PEACE) will be spearheading the cleanup dive.

PEACE President Virgilio Jakosalem said the activity will show the Capitol cares for the environment and the fishermen who have lost their source of income these past few days.

Jakosalem said that the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer will be providing gear like boots, gloves and masks for the first fifty volunteers.

The employees were also advised to bring extra shirts.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development officer Evelyn Cinajon said that the province contributed four sacks of used clothing to be used against the oil spill.

The San Miguel Corp. has also contributed chicken feathers from Naga City while Salon de Rose donated sacks of hair.

The province is asking citizens and agencies to contribute to the effort and donate anything that can be used to mitigate the oil spill. Provincial Information Officer Ethel Natera said there is a drop-off center at the Fuente Rotunda to collect materials.

The city government of Lapu-Lapu has also started turning to indigenous materials to help combat the oil spill. Yesterday morning, members of the Lapu-Lapu City Task Force Kalikasan deployed an improvised oil boom made of recycled plastic bottles, plastic sack and rope. All materials came from the material recovery facility of Lapu-Lapu City.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza directed the City Engineering Office and the City Solid Waste Management Office to provide the necessary requirements needed in addressing the threat.

A massive coastal cleanup is also scheduled today in different coastal barangays in Lapu-Lapu City. Beach Resorts and hotels owners in Lapu-Lapu City also assured their support to the cleanup.

City officials said the oil spill threatens not only the marine resources and the livelihood of small fishermen, but the tourism industry in Lapu-Lapu City. –(FREEMAN)