DOLE releases P6.1M for oil spill-affected fisherfolk in Cavite

CALAMBA CITY: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Cavite on Wednesday disbursed over PHP6.12 million to support 1,178 individuals in the municipality of Tanza, who have been impacted by the temporary fishing ban due to the oil spill in Bataan. In a phone interview on Wednesday, DOLE-Cavite Provincial Director Marivic Martinez said the funds had been allocated under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) cash-for-work program. The beneficiaries whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the fishing ban received salaries for their temporary employment. During the payout at the Capipisa Covered Court in Barangay West Capipisa, each beneficiary received PHP5,200 for 10 days of work. 'The TUPAD beneficiaries are engaged in coastal cleanup efforts in their area,' Martinez said. She also reassured other oil-spill affected fisherfolk in the municipalities of Maragondon and Ternate that assistance would be provided to them, as the fishing ban remains in effect in sev eral coastal towns in the province. Martinez said assessments are underway in other coastal areas, including Bacoor, Rosario, Noveleta, Kawit, and Cavite City to determine further assistance needed. The next round of TUPAD payouts is scheduled on Aug. 9 in the town of Naic, she said. The oil spill started on July 25 after MT Terranova sank off Limay, Bataan, carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil. Source: Philippines News Agency