The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in coordination with the Environment department , will provide Cash for Work (CFW) assistance to residents in three provinces affected by the oil spill in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
The areas to be given temporary means of livelihood are: Bansud, Bongabong, Bulalacao, Gloria, Naujan, Pinamalayan, Pola and Roxas in Oriental Mindoro; Caluya, Antique; and Agutaya in Palawan.
The oil spill was brought by the capsized motor tanker (MT) Princess Empress that submerged in Naujan last February 28.
According to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, aside from Oriental Mindoro, he received reports that the oil spill has now spread towards Antique and Palawan and that the residents in the area will need government aid.
“So, these two areas (Antique and Palawan), we are now working hard on making sure na may makakain iyong mga nakatira doon, whether its food packs or emergency cash transfers,” he said.
Aside from the CFW, the DSWD also plans to implement another program in the form of Emergency Cash Transfer program to affected residents in Caluya, Antique and Agutaya, Palawan.
“Naging agreement namin ng DENR at noong local government nila, ng provincial government, at instruction din ng ating Pangulo is to make sure na yung mga locals natin mga fisher folk na affected ay maging bahagi ng solusyon”, the Secretary said.