AKLAN – The Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 continues to monitor the effects of oil spill in New Washington town.
Oil leak on May 26, 2024 came from the non-operational Barge 102 which was docked in the Metallica shipyard in Barangay Polo, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.
Traces of oil leakage affected the fishing communities and livelihood of fisherfolks along Lagatik River, particularly districts 1, 2 and 3 of Barangay Pinamuk-an; Sitio Malogo, Lagatik, Riverside, and Kamingawan of Barangay Poblacion; and Sitio Kamangahan of Barangay Tambak.
PCG response teams are taking the lead in oil spill containment and cleanup operations.
A team from DOH-6 through its Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) conducted rapid environmental assessment in Metallica Shipyard to address health issues related to oil spill.
DOH-6 also turned over peak flow meter, Go bags, aquatabs water purification tablets, family health kits, latex gloves, and water testing kits on May 31.
Likewise, DOH-6 and New Washington’s Mayor Jessica Panambo and Municipal Health Officer Dr. Daystar Sedillo held a collaborative meeting to ensure the provision of necessary medical interventions and how to address the impacts of the oil spill.
In a related development, Mayor Panambo lifted the suspension of fishing activities in affected areas along Lagatik River following the assessment of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office that “the oil spill is already contained due to immediate response” by installing spill booms.
The Environmental Management Bureau Region 6 also reported that “the water quality has returned to safe levels for fishing activities” based on a Certificate of Analysis on June 5./PN
