DSWD to provide emergency work program, cash transfer to residents affected by Oriental Mindoro oil spill

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday said it will launch an Emergency Cash for Work and Emergency Cash Transfer program to help oil spill-affected residents in Oriental Mindoro, Antique, and Palawan.

The DSWD would implement the program in collaboration with the local government units (LGUs) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to provide temporary means of livelihood to affected fishermen and vendors.

“Ang utos ng pangulo, mag-launch tayo ng Emergency Cash for Work Program, ibig sabihin, next 15 days starting Friday, magmo-mobilize na ang DENR at ang provincial government ng cash for work, meaning magtatrabaho yung mga mangingisda at yung ibang mga apektado, tutulong sila na maglinis,” said DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

Gatchalian said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. mandated him to address the welfare and livelihood of those affected, including fishermen, amid the oil spill.

“After five days ang DSWD naman ang magbabayad ng minumin wage sa lahat ng lumahok. Tatakbo yan for 15 days muna and then after 15 days kung sinabi ng DENR na kailangan i-extend, handa ang DSWD na i-extend naman iyon,” he said.

“So that’s around 10,000 families, one member for each 10,000 na pamilya. Sa 10,000 na mangingisda, daily wage for 15 days pero pwede yan palawigin at i-expand,” he added.

Prior to this, Gatchalian said they have also distributed food packs in Pola town and will supply them every four days.

Aside from Oriental Mindoro, the oil spill has now spread toward the provinces of Antique and Palawan.

“Bibigyan din natin sila ng food packs, pero ilulungsad din natin yung emergency employment sa kanila, yung Emergency Cash for Work program. Patawag na ako sa DENR kung kailan nila ire-ready, kami handa na tayo na magbayad doon sa mga makikilahok sa mga mangingisda na apektado,” he said.

Gatchalian said that over 570 families would be given at least P8,000 as an emergency cash transfer for affected residents in Caluya, Antique.

Gatchalian added that he is also in communication with the local government unit of Palawan and plans to distribute cash assistance to the affected residents.

"Magbibigyan cash assistance din. We will do the same, food packs at Emergency Cash for Work program," he added. 

Motor tanker Princess Empress was carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil when it sank due to strong waves on February 28. All the 20 people on board were rescued.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the motor tanker sank 400 meters into the ocean, which was too deep for divers to reach. — Sherilyn Untalan/RSJ, GMA Integrated News