Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino called on the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to be proactive in helping fishermen displaced by the massive oil spill from the sunken MT Terra Nova.
Tolentino has filed Senate Resolution No. 1048, which seeks to conduct a Senate inquiry on the cause, extent, and impact of the oil spill caused by the ill- fated tanker.
The senator stressed the importance of continuous dialogue between BFAR and fishermen’s organizations Pamalakaya.
Fernando Hicap, Pamalakaya chairperson said BFAR announced that it would provide fuel subsidies to affected fishermen.
But Hicap said this was insufficient, because what their sector needs are alternative sources of income.
He lamented that many fishers have lost their livelihood due to the oil spill.
The oil spill led to the prohibition of fishing imposed by several local governments.
“If they can’t fish, they can’t eat. With many fishing grounds affected by the oil spill and fishing ban, then what will happen to our livelihood?” Hicap asked.
The BFAR earlier declared that fish caught from affected coastal areas as unsafe for consumption.
The agency also estimated that the disaster could displace over 46,000 fishers based in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and the National Capital Region.
