CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – While the oil spill in neighboring Bataan province has not reach the coast of Pampanga – as of midday of Jan. 30 – Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda convened the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council and municipal mayors in a consultative meeting with regional directors of the agencies concerned to lay out preemptive measures against the oil spill.
The governor instructed the mayors of Lubao, Macabebe, Sasmuan, Masantol, Minalin, and Guagua – the municipalities that may be affected – to closely monitor their areas to prevent the oil spill from reaching Pampanga’s waters.
“Sabi ko sa mayors natin, kausapin nila ang mga barangay especially ang mga fishpond owner. Dahil ‘di natin masasabi kung saan tatakbo itong oil spill na ‘to. ‘Pag ang hangin bumanda sa ‘tin, baka sa ‘tin mapunta ‘tong oil spill na ‘to. Pinoproteksyunan ko lang din po ang mga fishpond owner natin, kasi once na umabot sa shoreline, baka malugi ‘tong fishpond owners natin na ayaw naman nating mangyari,” said Pineda.
Despite the threat of the oil spill, the governor reassured the public that Pampanga remains free of contamination, and its seafood is still safe for consumption.
“Safe pa po ang seafoods natin. Ginagawa ko lang po itong coordination meetings with LGUs para po agapan ang pag-abot ng problema sa probinsiya natin, para handa po tayong lahat at alam po natin ang mga dapat gawin,” he said.
He also called for public participation in collecting raw materials for producing oil spill booms, which will be used to block the oil spill from entering the province.
To address the potential impact of the oil spill, the provincial government will procure personal protective equipment (PPE), rubber gloves, and N95 respirators for cleaning efforts. They have also set up logistical support, planned for the installation of oil spill booms, and will provide jerry cans for potable water to affected communities. Punto News Team/Jasmine Jaso-Pampanga GO
