US to Enhance Philippine Oil Spill Response Capabilities with Specialized Training

WASHINGTON — The United States is set to provide specialized oil spill response training to the Philippines, adding to its ongoing efforts to aid in the Bataan recovery operations following a significant oil spill.

According to Philippines News Agency, the training, funded by the agency and facilitated by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Response and Restoration, is scheduled for October and November. This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Biodiversity Management Bureau in addressing and managing ecological disasters.

The US has been actively involved in the Bataan oil spill response, deploying eight experts from NOAA and the US Coast Guard to the area. These experts are part of the US National Response Team (NRT), a collaboration of 15 federal agencies that provide resources and guidance for managing pollution incidents. Currently, NOAA’s spill modeling tools are aiding the Philippine Coast Guard’s Marine Science Investigative Force and a University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute oceanographer in operational modeling efforts.

The NOAA tools have been crucial in guiding clean-up and preventive measures, ensuring that interventions are focused and effective. Additionally, NOAA’s Scientific Support Coordinator and a biologist are offering on-ground support to bolster the response efforts, with remote teams from the Office of Response and Restoration providing additional support as needed.

Looking ahead, the NRT plans to assist the Philippine Incident Management Team by reviewing and offering recommendations on the lightering and salvage plans for the oil tanker MT Terra Nova, which sank near Lamao Point in Limay on July 25 due to adverse weather conditions caused by Super Typhoon Carina. The tanker, which was carrying approximately 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel, has resulted in oil sheens and slicks observed in western Manila Bay, with initial impacts to shorelines now largely mitigated.

The Philippine Coast Guard continues to address oil seepage from the vessel, with efforts ongoing to minimize environmental damage.