Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. said the Department of Trade and Industry should investigate the rising of prices of the basic commodities in many towns of Oriental Mindoro amid the ongoing problems caused by the oil spill.
Revilla made this comment during his visit to the province on Thursday, to distribute cash assistance to the affected residents of Bulalacao, Roxas, Pinamalayan, Pola, and Naujan towns.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development also provided residents with food packs.
Revilla said Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor told him about continuous price increases of basic commodities including rice, meat, poultry, and vegetables, subsequent to the oil spill problem that occurred two weeks ago.
The lawmaker said the DTI should look into the concerns since the residents lost their livelihood due to the oil spill incident.
He added the DTI should employ strict monitoring and immediately address the irregularity in the market to stabilize the price of basic necessities and goods while the massive oil spill is existing.
“There are many existing laws that will give power to DTI to do its mandate. I hope you would help the residents of Oriental Mindoro with this problem,” Revilla told the DTI.
According to the DSWD, around 19,000 residents will benefit from the government’s cash-for-work scheme which will last up to three months.
The Department of Labor and Employment will also implement Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers o TUPAD Project in the oil spill-affected areas.
Meanwhile, Senator Nancy Binay emphasized the appalling effects of the oil spill on the tourism industry of Oriental Mindoro, especially now that the observance of Holy Week is approaching.
“To think na ang Mindoro ang summer alternative sa Boracay, nakakalungkot din dahil maraming nag-cancel ng bookings ngayong Holy Week, at panibagong dagok na naman itong nangyari sa ating mga tourism workers na kababangon lang mula sa pandemic (it’s saddening that many have alrady cancelled their bookings for Holy Week and it another struggle for our tourism workers who have just recovered from the pandemic),” she said.
Binay urged for a collection action by both government and non-government groups to address the impact of the fuel spillage, which will likely cause a mess in the seashores of Batangas and Palawan, if not resolved immediately.
“Aside from the fisherfolks, we can tap displaced tourism workers, community-based organizations, and those livelihoods were affected to help in the cleanup and in setting up barriers to mitigate the environmental impact and public health risks,” she added.
Binay emphasized that the Mindoro oil spill is not just a local problem. Hence, racing against time must be considered.