Whole-of-nation approach vs oil spill stressed in NDRRMC meet

MANILA, Philippines — The ongoing response operations and strengthening of various government agencies’ joint efforts in addressing the impacts of the oil spill from the submerged MT Princess Empress in Oriental Mindoro were emphasized during the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)’s full council meeting, attended by 45 government agencies, at Camp Aguinaldo on March 23.

“We have further mobilized all the concerned agencies to help end the oil spill at the soonest time possible. The damages to the environment, livelihood, tourism and health worsen by the day,” Office of Civil Defense administrator and NDRRMC executive director Ariel Nepomuceno.

Reporting updates on the operations, the Philippine Coast Guard presented the latest findings of a remotely operated vehicle from a Japanese vessel that arrived in the country on Monday.

Reports said that the tanker suffered extensive structural damage before submerging and oil leaks were observed from all its eight compartments or tanks. The volume of the remaining oil in these compartments is yet to be determined.

The oil spill has affected at least 34,553 families in Mimaropa and the Western Visayas as well as the livelihood of 13,654 fishermen and farmers.

The affected families were more than P131 million in assistance from the national and local governments, non-government organizations and other partners.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources presented during the meeting its oil spill environmental impact assessment as well as updates on the DENR’s cash-for-work for cleanup operations.