CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Coast Guard District Northern Mindanao (PCGDNM) conducted a two-day Oil Spill Response and Awareness Seminar (OSRAS) on June 19–20 to raise public awareness about ocean oil spill hazards and enhance preparedness for coastal communities.
“We are conducting this seminar to help our shoreline communities understand the importance of protecting our shores from oil spills. We aim to teach them simple methods to handle spills, ensuring the safety and preservation of our marine life and resources. This event highlights the district’s commitment to protecting our maritime environment,” said PCGDNM Deputy Commander Christie Cabuyaban.
She stated that participants gained knowledge of oil spill response, including prevention strategies, emergency techniques, and environmental and community impacts.
The marine environment is vital for resources, biodiversity, and economic activities, but it faces threats from pollution, especially oil spills. These occur when petroleum products spill into the sea through drilling, transportation, or ship discharges.
“These can have catastrophic effects on marine life, coastal communities, and the economy. The immediate and long-term environmental damage necessitates a swift and effective response,” Cabuyaban said.
Participants also practiced their skills in a simulated oil spill response drill to gain insights into how the Coast Guard and first responders manage spills to minimize harm to marine life and coastlines.
Captain Andrew Librodo, Area Manager of Malayan Towage and Salvage Corp., commended the PCGDNM for conducting the seminar.
“Being one of the first responders, this seminar is very informative and important, especially to all stakeholders and those interested in oil spill response. It imparts crucial information that teaches the public how to respond to an oil spill, and the new knowledge imparted to us is highly effective,” Librodo said.
He shared his personal experience with the Calapan, Mindoro, oil spill response, describing the operation as complicated and requiring daily improvisation. Despite the challenges, he found it rewarding to help the public and play a crucial role in collecting oil from the ocean, significantly benefiting the community.
Ensuring marine environment protection
The Marine Environmental Protection Command (MEPCOM) of the Philippine Coast Guard is intensifying efforts to prevent and mitigate oil spills in Philippine waters. Tasked with combating pollution in the sea, rivers, and tributaries, MEPCOM focuses heavily on oil spill response as a critical aspect of its mission.
To achieve this, MEPCOM employs strategies centered on prevention and preparedness. It involves coordinating with stakeholders, such as shipping companies and oil operators, to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Routine inspections and drills also prepare responders for potential spills.
Quick action is vital to protect marine life and coastlines during oil spills. Crews deploy vessels with containment booms and skimmers to contain the spill and prevent its spread. Clean-up then focuses on removing oil from the water and shorelines using skimming, dispersants, and bioremediation, aiming for maximum restoration.
Community engagement is another key component of MEPCOM’s strategy. Through programs like OSRAS and other awareness campaigns, MEPCOM educates and mobilizes local communities, government units, and stakeholders, fostering a sense of responsibility and active participation in environmental protection.
Coast Guard Ens. Dave Abelarde urges coastal communities and fisherfolk to be vigilant in monitoring for oil spills and to report any incidents immediately to authorities. He highlights that containing an oil spill while still in the water is simple and less costly than managing a spill that has reached the shore.
“The protection of the marine ecosystem is a collective responsibility. The Philippine Coast Guard District Northern Mindanao encourages public participation in conservation efforts, including attending seminars and lectures on marine life preservation,” he said. (JAKA/PIA-10)
