DENR units near sea mishap site told to prepare vs possible oil spill

MANILA, Philippines - Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) personnel were instructed Thursday to keep an eye for any possible oil spill from the capsized MV Princess of the Stars passenger ferry off Romblon. In a statement posted on the DENR website, DENR Sec. Jose Atienza Jr directed DENR personnel, particularly those "in and around Romblon," to prepare to respond to such a scenario. "You must be vigilant and ready to get into action at the first sign of an oil spill. We cannot afford additional environmental damages at this time when the world is racing against time to heal the earth from various environmental damages, among which is global warming," Atienza said. Atienza also directed all DENR officials in the affected areas to coordinate with local officials to be on "highest level of alert" for them to contain any oil spill. The official noted that the DENR has a proven expertise in addressing oil spills, citing the oil containment scheme it implemented to address the oil spill in Guimaras in 2006. "We have a sound experience in dealing with oil spill. With the help of the PCG (Philippine Coast Guard) and local residents, we are optimistic that we could prevent any serious environmental damages caused by a possible oil spill," Atienza said. Meanwhile, Atienza said the DENR's Mines and Geosciences Bureau is fast-tracking geohazard mapping, particularly of the eastern seaboard of the country often battered by typhoons. "We are already 80% complete and we hope to cover the whole of the eastern seaboard next year," Atienza said. Areas yet to be covered by MGB's geohazard mapping activities include Isabela and Cagayan in Region 2, Masbate in Region 5, and Samar island in Region 8. Atienza said an important component of the geo-hazard mapping program of the DENR is the conduct of information, education and communication (IEC) activities to educate local government officials on the proper use of geo-hazard maps to mitigate the impacts of geologic hazards as well as prevent the loss of lives and properties. "Geohazard maps provide not only potential areas of landslides, flooding, liquefaction, subsidence and other ground instabilities but also possible areas for relocation," the DENR said. - GMANews.TV