CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City Government is doing its best to help Talisay City and the Municipality of Cordova in addressing the oil spill.
Meanwhile, Weniel Azcuna, Cebu Philippine Coast Guard Station Commander, said what is seen in barangays Cansojong, Poblacion and Dumlog, Talisay is not oil spill but “oil sheen†which means this is not as damaging.
With the support of Profoods and businessman Edmund Sanchez, the Mandaue City Government helps by providing coconut husks.
Talisay City Public Information Officer (PIO) Vincie Monterde said they received report on oil spill from Fishermen Sea and Ecological Care (FISECA).
Monterde said the seawaters in barangay Cansojong was already black but they are glad this did not spread in other coastal barangays because of the dikes.
Monterde immediately called for help for indigenous materials to help in the clean up. Residents and 2,000 fishermen, who are beneficiaries of emergency employment by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), responded.
The fishermen affected by the oil spill are asked to work for one month and are paid the minimum wage by DOLE and the City.
Rose Saya-ang, community development specialist of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), said they are assessing the affected areas.
In Mandaue, Mayor Jonas Cortes instructed the Solid Waste Management Office to send some of the collected indigenous absorbent materials such as coconut husks, abaca fiber and sawdust to Talisay.
Engr. Ricardo Mendoza, head of the City Solid Waste Management Office, said the City collected indigenous absorbent materials as a precaution against the oil spill but Mandaue has not been affected so far.
The sawdust were collected from hardware stores while broom makers in Paknaan donated abaca fibers.
Edmund Sanchez, a former City Hall consultant, offered to provide the City with coco coir, or processed coconut fiber. Sanchez operates a coco-recycling facility in Barangay Umapad. (FREEMAN)