The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) recommends continued fishing ban in municipalities affected by the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro as initial analyses have proven inconclusive as to food safety for produce caught in the area.
Water samples collected from the affected municipalities of Bansud, Bongabong, Bulalacao, Calapan, Gloria, Mansalay, Naujan, Pinamalayan, Pola, and Roxas in Oriental Mindoro as well as in Caluya, Antique from March 9 to 12 showed minimal levels of oil and grease and still within the standard set by the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources, the agency said.
Fish samples collected from the same area from March 4 to 5 also showed low-level contaminants of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which is harmful to humans and other living organisms, which may accumulate in the flesh of marine organisms over time.
BFAR said it continuously analyzes and monitors the area to establish time-series results on the impact of the oil spill on food safety.
“Succeeding analyses should be considered to ensure seafood is safe for public consumption. Rest assured that the Bureau is fast-tracking the laboratory analyses without compromising the accuracy of data, which serves as basis for its recommendations,” the agency said.
The BFAR had been assisting local government units, especially the provincial government of Oriental Mindoro, in relief and livelihood aid since the contamination began.
To date, the bureau set aside P4.4 million-worth of livelihood assistance in the form of post-harvest technology packages which will benefit ten fisherfolk associations and cooperatives or 689 families.
Some P1.5 million was also earmarked as food assistance to 5,000 fisherfolk in Mimaropa while P580,500 was spent to help displaced fishing groups in Western Visayas.
In addition, the BFAR deployed monitoring, control and surveillance vessels, as well as personal protective equipment sets and other materials for clean-up activities. Additional interventions are also being prepositioned based on rehabilitation proposals from the oil spill-hit areas.
