In light of oil spill Talisay to extend help to fishermen

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City council is taking steps to help fishermen and other residents who depend on the sea for their source of revenue.

Marginal fishermen have taken the brunt of an oil spill which resulted from the sinking of the MV St. Thomas de Aquinas after colliding Friday with MV Sulpicio Express 7 in Lawis Ledge in Talisay City.

City Councilor Doroteo S. Emit, who is the chairman of the committee on labor, has asked the city government, through Mayor Johnny delos Reyes, to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for the implementation of the Emergency Employment Program for local fishermen and their families and fish vendors.

According to Emit, the collision last August 16 is affecting the livelihood of local fishermen and fish vendors. 

Under Article IV of Republic Act 8979 states that the City of Talisay will adopt measures to protect its inhabitants from harmful effects from man-made or natural disasters and calamities and provide relief services and assistance to victims and affected communities. 

Last Thursday, at least 600 families living nearby barangay Tanke sought assistance from the mayor. 

The mayor instructed the city social welfare to prepare the beneficiaries for the assistance to be given to them. 

The mayor will give P500 each of the families, which will be charged to the city’s calamity fund.  (FREEMAN)