NO CATCH ZONE. Personnel of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Cavite province assess employment interventions needed for oil spill-displaced fisherfolk on Wednesday (July 31, 2024). The local government units of Tanza, Naic, Maragondon, and Ternate towns have declared a “no catch zone” due to the oil spill in Bataan. (Photo courtesy of DOLE-Cavite)
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is mobilizing support for fisherfolk in Cavite affected by the oil spill in Bataan through its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.
The spill, originating from the sunken oil tanker M/T Terranova near Limay town, has led to the declaration of a “no catch zone” in Tanza, Naic, Maragondon, and Ternate towns in Cavite for the remainder of the week.
Ricky Velasco, Senior Labor and Employment Officer and TUPAD Focal Person for DOLE-Cavite, said in a phone interview that DOLE Provincial Director Marivic Martinez has instructed personnel to assess the situation in the coastal communities to determine the scope of employment interventions needed for the displaced fisherfolk.
Velasco said the local government units (LGUs) have declared a temporary fishing ban due to the oil spill, prompting the need for immediate support through the TUPAD temporary employment program.
Cavite’s Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has also recommended declaring a state of calamity in the affected areas to facilitate aid and recovery efforts.
“We are currently awaiting the results of the assessment to identify qualified TUPAD beneficiaries. Once finalized, we plan to conduct an orientation session this Friday,” Velasco said.
Under the TUPAD program, each eligible fisherfolk will receive PHP5,200, equivalent to 10 days of work at PHP520 per day, which is the minimum wage in the province, according to Velasco. (PNA)
