The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Tuesday refused to lift the fishing ban in select Oriental Mindoro municipalities contaminated by an oil spill.
The continuing ban covers the municipalities of Calapan, Naujan, Pola, Pinamalayan, Gloria and Bansud due to the risk of contamination from oil yet to be removed from the area.
BFAR said oil and grease levels increased in Calapan, Naujan, Bansud, Gloria and Pinamalayan but within the limit of less than 3 mg per liter suited for boating and fishing activities, as well as fish propagation for commercial and sustenance purposes.
Recent analyses show fishing waters in Bongabong, Bulalacao, Mansalay, Roxas, Baco, Puerto Galera and San Teodoro are within acceptable levels for fishing activities.
The BFAR also eye extending P118 million worth of emergency and relief assistance to oil spill-hit areas.
Of the amount, P4.4 million have already been spent on post-harvest training for fisherfolk associations and cooperatives and over P1.5 million on food assistance to more than 5,000 affected fisherfolk in Mimaropa.
Funds have also been allocated for ongoing capacity building efforts in the form of fiberglass-reinforced plastic boats with marine engines to affected fisherfolk in Oriental Mindoro.
The agency also deployed monitoring, control and surveillance vessels, as well as personal protective equipment sets and other materials for clean-up activities.
