CEBU, Philippines - Sixth district Representative Luis Gabriel Quisumbing is meeting on Monday the local officials of Cordova, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development to assess the impact of the collision of a passenger vessel and a cargo ship to the local economy.
Quisumbing said that he is worried about the effect of the incident to the people in Cordova and the nearby municipalities who depend on fishing for their subsistence. He said that while the immediate concern is to search and rescue the missing passengers and crew, but the affected residents should also be taken into consideration.
Quisumbing said that the resulting oil spill might deprive the fishermen of their daily income.
“Our first priority continues to be the ongoing search and rescue operations. Hopefully by Monday, we will have a clearer picture of the damage to marine resources and the environmental and economic impact of the oil spill. This is especially worrisome as a large segment of the population of Cordova depends upon fishing for income. We must address this concern to avoid as much damage as we can and mitigate possible effects to Cordova and adjoining areas,†he said.
The congressman has given instruction to his staff to assist in the relief operations to help the collision victims. (FREEMAN)