Oil Spill-Affected Cavite Fisherfolk to Get Aid via DOLE Program

CALAMBA CITY — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is mobilizing support for fisherfolk in Cavite affected by the oil spill in Bataan through its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

According to Philippines News Agency, The oil spill, originating from the sunken tanker M/T Terranova near Limay town, has resulted in the declaration of a “no catch zone” in Tanza, Naic, Maragondon, and Ternate towns in Cavite for the remainder of the week. Ricky Velasco, Senior Labor and Employment Officer and TUPAD Focal Person for DOLE-Cavite, stated in a phone interview that DOLE Provincial Director Marivic Martinez has instructed personnel to assess the situation in the coastal communities to determine the scope of employment interventions needed for the displaced fisherfolk.

Velasco mentioned that local government units (LGUs) have declared a temporary fishing ban due to the oil spill, necessitating immediate support through the TUPAD temporary employment program. Cavite’s Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has also recommended declaring a state of calamity in the affected areas to facilitate aid and recovery efforts. “We are currently awaiting the results of the assessment to identify qualified TUPAD beneficiaries. Once finalized, we plan to conduct an orientation session this Friday,” Velasco said.

Under the TUPAD program, each eligible fisherfolk will receive PHP5,200, equivalent to 10 days of work at PHP520 per day, which is the minimum wage in the province, according to Velasco.