Around P217M worth of aid given to Mindoro oil spill victims —DSWD

Around P217 million worth of assistance has been provided to individuals affected by the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Thursday.

“Sa ngayon po ay nasa P217 million yung naipapamahagi nating tulong doon sa ating mga kababayan, kabilang po dito yung mga family food packs o relief goods at non-food items,” DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez said at a televised public briefing.

(Right now, we distributed around P217 million worth of assistance to our countrymen, including food packs and non-food items)

DSWD’s field office in Mimaropa distributed 97,162 food packs. Also, 16,100 family food packs were provided to victims in Antique, 3,500 in Batangas, and over 2,000 in Palawan.

Lopez said financial assistance was also given to affected people through assistance to individuals in crisis situations (AICS), emergency cash transfers, and cash-for-work programs.

Under AICS, a total of P37 million has been provided to the beneficiaries. For cash-for-work programs, a total of P58.5 million was given.

For emergency cash transfers, around 5,000 people benefited from the program, according to Lopez.

MT Princess Empress was carrying 900,000 liters of industrial fuel oil when it sank due to strong waves on February 28. All 20 people on board were rescued.

According to the PCG, the motor tanker sank 400 meters into the ocean, which was too deep for divers to reach.

As of Wednesday, a total of 178,306 people or 37,871 families were affected by the oil spill, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

At least 208 people fell ill due to the oil spill.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) estimated an income loss of around P388 million.

State of calamity was declared in 15 cities and municipalities due to the oil spill, according to the NDRRMC. —VAL, GMA Integrated News