Puerto Galera businesses, residents worry about threat of shutdown

Business owners and residents in Puerto Galera are worried over the impact of the possible shutdown amid the recent oil spill in Oriental Mindoro.

Several tourists are still not aware of the possible danger after a report was released that high levels of oil and grease contaminants were found in 26 areas in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro.

“No I’m not aware, I’m not from here,” tourist Danilo Nuzzi said in Andrew Bernardo’s report of GMA Regional TV Balitang Southern Tagalog aired on “24 Oras” on Wednesday.

“Nabalita lang namin na pwede na ang Puerto Galera, may nakarating sa amin na pwede na siya (We heard that Puerto galleria is still open),” another tourist said.

Despite no direct swimming or fishing ban imposed in the town, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said at least P5.3 million would be lost daily if Puerto Galera would be closed amid the recent oil spill in Oriental Mindoro.

Frasco noted that Puerto Galera is a top-rated destination in Oriental Mindoro, which accounts for 85% of the tourism economy of the province. More than 11,000 tourism workers will also be affected.

Jet Ski operators, residents, and resort owners expressed concern on the possible impact.

"Kasi sa mga turista galing Manila hindi na sila maga-ano talaga, mawawalan kami ng kita (We will be losing income)” jet ski operator Romeo Nazareth said.

"Malaki talaga ang effect niyan, as you see right now ang laki-laki ng space ko ang daming tao niyan (It has a big effect, you can see there is a big space here for many people), everybody is scared or natatakot sila na, ma’am what's going on? “ resort owner Jereline Calderon said.

"Sana magkaroon ng ano talaga ng clear distinction ‘yung mga niri-release na data, kasi kabuhayan ng buong Puerto Galera ang nakasalalay dito (There should be a clear distinction on data released because the livelihood of the people depends on it),” tour operator Nikka Balinton said.

“If you come here and you see any sign of oil here in white beach we will refund your money,” business owner Rita Fathi said.

Oriental Mindoro governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor said that Puerto Galera is still open to tourists.

“I also care para sa ating mga taong maliligo kung mawalan man tayo ng konting hanapbuhay for the meantime ito ay pwede muna nating bawiin sa papaanong paraan,” Dolor said.

(I also care for our tourists, if we lose some of our livelihood for the meantime, we can get it back somehow.)

GMA Regional TV Balitang Southern Tagalog is still seeking the side of the local government of Puerto Galera.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA Integrated News