IT has been a year since the oil spill occurred from the sunken MT Princess Empress in the waters of Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, on February 28, 2023.
Over 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil spilled from the said vessel.
To this day, many residents of Oriental Mindoro, including fishermen like Mang Alex from Naujan, have not fully recovered.
“Until now, the fishermen in our area haven’t fully recovered because when the oil spill happened during Amihan season, which is the peak season for us. So, the residents of Naujan, especially those in the coastal barangays, are still struggling,” Alex Paala, Fisherman in Naujan said.
Apart from Naujan, other towns in Oriental Mindoro, including Pola, Pinamalayan, Gloria, Mansalay, and Calapan, were also affected.
According to the report from the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED), the damage caused by the oil spill in the province amounted to over P41.2 billion.
CEED estimates the socio-economic sector suffered P1.1 billion in damages, while the environmental impact is estimated at P40.1 billion.
“When we look at Mindoro’s economy, there is much that needs to be done, especially in the fishing industry, which is one of our most challenging sectors,” Usec. Ariel Nepomuceno, Administrator, Office of the Civil Defense stated.
According to Civil Defense Administrator Usec. Ariel Nepomuceno, the Departments of Trade and Industry, Labor and Employment, and Science and Technology are exploring other livelihood opportunities for affected residents.
Provincial government assures prompt compensation for residents affected by oil spill
Residents of Oriental Mindoro, like Alex, are only asking for the quick distribution of compensation, which they believe would greatly help in their recovery.
“We haven’t received the aid for the oil spill— the compensation—We haven’t received it. Almost three barangays in Naujan still haven’t received it,” Alex Paala, Fisherman in Naujan said.
“So, we won’t go through provisional payment anymore. We’re going straight to the final payment. That’s why we won’t go through provisional payment,” Governor Humerlito Dolor, Oriental Mindoro stressed.
According to Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor, there are around 10,000 residents who have not yet received compensation.
But he assures them that they need not worry about not receiving compensation as long as they have submitted claim forms and evidence of the oil spill’s impact on them.
Oriental Mindoro files lawsuit against parties behind devastating oil spill
Meanwhile, Oriental Mindoro has officially filed a criminal complaint against the owner of MT Princess Empress and some officials from government agencies like the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
According to Gov. Dolor, this is to hold those responsible for the devastating oil spill accountable.
“The provincial government prioritized the welfare of our citizens,” Governor Humerlito Dolor, Oriental Mindoro stated.
“Now that the citizens have returned to their normal lives, what we need now is for those responsible to be held accountable. It’s all about timing,” Dolor added.
SMNI recognized by Oriental Mindoro for contribution in oil spill response
On Friday afternoon, the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro recognized individuals and various groups who contributed to the swift response and recovery efforts in the province.
This includes various government agencies, private sector individuals, and the media.
One of the recognized entities is Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).
