To address the oil spill from the sinking MT Terra Nova off the coast of Limay, Bataan, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ordered the creation of an interagency task team on Saturday. This choice was taken at Malolos, Bulacan, during a situation briefing on the effects of Super Typhoon Carina and the Enhanced Southwest Monsoon.
Representatives from the Office of Civil Defence (OCD), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will make up the newly formed task force. Marcos underlined that the OCD will lead the operation and coordinate the work of several authorities. “The Civil Defence will spearhead this; I will oversee it. The Coast Guard will contribute if you gather the teams from the DENR,” he said.
Specifically, the PCG is in charge of evaluating the state of the MT Terra Nova, and the DILG will make sure that local government units (LGUs) respond in a coordinated manner. Because of the oil spill, the MT Terra Nova, which sunk off the coast of Limay, Bataan, poses a serious environmental risk. The task force was quickly formed in response to this circumstance to minimize damage and manage cleanup activities.
The DENR will play a crucial role in addressing environmental concerns, while the DOH will monitor any health impacts on the affected communities. The DOLE and DSWD will focus on the welfare of those affected by the spill, ensuring that their employment and social needs are met during the crisis. Marcos’ swift action highlights the government’s commitment to addressing environmental disasters and protecting affected communities. The coordination between these agencies aims to provide a comprehensive response to the oil spill, minimizing its impact and facilitating a quicker recovery process.
The President’s directive underscores the importance of inter-agency collaboration in managing such incidents, ensuring that all necessary resources and expertise are mobilized effectively. The task force’s efforts will be crucial in containing the spill, safeguarding the environment, and supporting the local population during this challenging time.
President Marcos’ order to create an inter-agency task force to address the Bataan oil spill demonstrates a proactive approach to environmental management and disaster response, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts among government agencies to protect the environment and public health.