MANILA – Senate Pro Tempore Loren Legarda has appealed for more assistance for the residents affected by the recent Miindoro Oriental oil spill tragedy that has been impacted various coastal areas in Western Visayas and Mimaropa region.
Legarda said support for resident of the communities affected by the oil spill is vital. She vowed to continue “pushing for the needed support for those affected by the oil spill.”
Legarda’s office has partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to help the affected communities and were able to distribute P2,000 worth of aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program to 500 fisherfolks.
A total of 2,000 food packs for the affected families in the municipality of Pola were also distributed. “This payout will surely bring joy despite their struggle and proves that they are not being forgotten by the government),” Legarda said.
She thanked DSWD and the local governments of Oriental Mindoro for their swift response to the affected residents and also met with Secretary Rex Gatchalian to discuss the other assistance needed.
Also affected by the oil spill, aside from Pola, were the municipalities of Naujan, Bongabong, Pinamalayan, Roxas, Gloria, Bansud, Mansalay, Bulalacao, and Calapan City.
Legarda has earlier filed Senate Resolution No. 540 directing appropriate committees to conduct the inquiry into the oil spill.