CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) -- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian in his visit to Oriental Mindoro on March 4 said that their agency will launch a ‘cash for work’ program for those who were directly affected by the oil spill by the recent sinking of MT Princess Empress off the coast of Naujan.

Gatchalian personally visited the town of Naujan to see the situation and deliver the appropriate assistance to the affected families whose sources of livelihood come from fishing.

Gatchalian said that 10,000 affected families will be provided with assistance as part of their intervention, especially those affected residents living along the coastal areas in the province.

Priorities to the program are the fisherfolks, fish vendors, and their families who were affected by the incident.  The ‘cash for work’ program will start on Wednesday, March 8, and it will last for 15 days wherein the workers will work and receive a minimum wage.  This program will be extended when needed according to Gatchalian.

Local officials headed by Gov. Humerlito A. Dolor welcomed Gatchalian in his visit wherein the latter personally supervised the first burst of aid distribution in the towns of Naujan, Pola, and Pinamalayan. 

Also present during the visit and welcomed the Secretary were representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), DSWD-Oriental Mindoro, Provincial Department of Health Office (PDOHO), employees of the provincial government, and the local residents.

The operational period briefing was led by Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer Vinscent Gahol. 

The PCG updated the PDRRM Council and the Secretary on the extent of the oil spill incident, the containment measures  being undertaken by the agency and the local goverrnment units affected. 

Apart from the directives he issued to local chief executives of the municipalities, Dolor assured the equal treatment of all affected families in the province. Dolor called for the attention of all Municipal Mayors to ensure prompt action and cooperation this time when affected individuals need help.  (LTC/PIA MIMAROPA)

Photo above: DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasizes the ‘cash for work’ program intended for directly affected families during his visit to Naujan, Oriental Mindoro on March 4, 2023.  (Photo credit: Oriental Mindoro PIO)