Department of Agriculture to Support Fisherfolk Impacted by Bataan Oil Spill

LIMAY, BATAAN — Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel announced on Tuesday initiatives to aid fisherfolk affected by the oil spill from the sunken motor tanker MT Terra Nova in Bataan province. The assistance plans include potential reallocation of funds originally designated for fuel subsidies and the use of the department’s quick response fund.

According to Philippines News Agency, during an ambush interview, the DA is considering using part of its PHP510.447 million fuel subsidy budget—initially intended for crop, livestock, and poultry farmers using production machinery—to help displaced fisherfolk travel to unaffected fishing areas. “The best thing to do is give them fuel subsidy so they can go to other areas to continue their fishing activities and deliver fish to the market,” Laurel stated. He also mentioned exploring additional support options through the DA’s PHP1-billion quick response fund.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has been actively assessing the impact of the spill on fish safety and consumption. BFAR Spokesperson Nazario Briguera, speaking at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, highlighted reports of oil slicks reaching the shores of Tanza, Cavite, Naic, Noveleta, and Rosario, which are likely emanating from the sunken vessel. Briguera stressed the importance of avoiding consumption of seafood visibly affected by the oil, particularly crustaceans and shellfish.

Local governments are tasked with deciding on implementing fishing bans based on the ongoing situation, a decision Briguera says rests with the local authorities to ensure community safety and economic preservation.

The BFAR estimates that the financial toll on registered fishers in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon could ascend to PHP351 million if the spill persists for 22 days, underlining the urgency of addressing the environmental disaster’s socioeconomic effects. Currently, 46,000 fishers are registered in these regions, all potentially at risk from the continuing spill.