DENR eyes tapping Balikatan participants to help in Oriental Mindoro oil spill cleanup

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is eyeing to seek the help of the participants in the 2023 Balikatan exercises for the cleanup drives in areas affected by the oil spill in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

The Presidential Communications Office said that in a meeting with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, DENR Secretary Antonia Loyzaga said the agency would work with the United States (US) Embassy "to explore the possibility of deploying the participants of the joint military drills," as part of efforts for cleanup and reduction of the impact of the oil spill incident.

This as the Chief Executive also directed the DENR to speed up the clean-up efforts in the affected areas in the province.

The Philippines-United States Balikatan exercise is one of the long-standing mutual engagements between the two countries, which has paved the way for enhanced cooperation when it comes to the security and defense sector.

To recall, 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.

The DENR earlier said over 2,000 hectares of coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass can be potentially affected by the oil spill. Water samples from several areas in Oriental Mindoro likewise failed their water quality test.

Aside from tapping Balikatan participants, Loyzaga said Japan and South Korea have already expressed their intention to help in containing the oil spill.

Loyzaga added that the DENR has coordinated with the provincial local government units, the vessel owner, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development for potential additional source of funds for the cash-for-work program that will be given to affected residents.

The President has expressed hope that containing and cleaning the oil spill in the province would not last for months. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News