Bacolod gives food assistance to fishermen

BACOLOD City , Philippines  – The city government has distributed food assistance to at least 159 fishermen who were among those affected by an oil spill from one of the abandoned underwater pipes of Chevron Philippines in Barangay Ba-nago last week.

Sally Abelarde, head of the city’s Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Ernie Pineda, executive assistant to the mayor, led the distribution of rice and groceries to the affected families at the old Bacolod City Hall over the weekend.

The fishermen had earlier sought help from the Bacolod City government, as well as from the management of Chevron Philippines.

Chevron, however, has not given any assistance to them yet, although a representative from the oil firm had promised to give them help, Jason Atillo Jr., spokesperson of the Kitahanon Small Fishermen Association, said.     

Mayor Evelio Leonardia said the provision of food assistance may not be a permanent solution to the problem but could, at least, help feed the families of the fishermen who were directly affected by the oil spill.

The Philippine Coast Guard had earlier said that bunker fuel had leaked after thieves cut a part of Chevron’s old underwater pipe and removed its valve.