It was on February 28, 2023, when the motor tanker Princess Empress sank in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. 

Given it was the season for the northwest monsoon, also known as “amihan,” local officials and residents feared the possibility that the oil spill would  reach them since  the wind had the potential to accelerate the oil contamination towards their direction. 

Within four days, their fear turned into reality when the dark oils from the sunken ship began to surface in the island villages of Caluya. 

To mobilize DRRM funds in helping the affected localities, the Sangguniang Bayan of Caluya took decisive action by declaring the town under a state of calamity, followed by Mayor Rigil Kent Lim’s prohibition of fishing activities in affected areas. 

Following these actions, the local community took control of the situation and  initiated the recovery process from the devastating impact of the oil spill.

“Nagbuligay ang mga taga Caluya, lokal nga opisyales, mga ahensya kang gobyerno kag mga pribado nga katawhan (Caluyanhuns lend their helping hands with the support of local officials, national government agencies, and private individual and organizations),” said Tandog, the municipal agriculturist.

Senator Pro Tempore Loren Legarda and Antique’s Lone District Representative Antonio Agapito Legarda also mobilized resources both at the national and local levels so they would be released immediately to help the island people.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) was quick in its response in conducting water testing, weekly monitoring of cleanup activities, and providing technical assistance to restore the damaged mangroves and other natural resources on the island.

PDRRMC reported a total of P25,401,486 cost of government relief assistance provided to affected families. 

Genelyn Joy Solino, mother of two kids from Sitio Liwagao, Barangay Sibolo, expressed gratitude to everyone who sent their help. 

“Malaki ang naitulong ng mga relief goods sa amin nang kami ay wala pang trabaho,” she said.

“Natulungan din kami ng TUPAD program ng DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment) at cash assistance sa ilalim ng AICS (Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situation) ng DSWD,” she added. 

She also cited the medical mission conducted by the DOH and local health authorities to ensure the residents are safe. 

On regular days, Genelyn's husband, Bobby, typically earns P5,000 a day through fishing. This amounts to  a weekly income of P15,000 earnings as they used to go fishing three days a week.  

For the family of Genelyn and all other fishers whose income depend on their catch of the day, the oil spill caused them a huge income loss.

In order to help the 3,649 fisherfolks and 450 seaweed farmers who lost their source of income, including the family of Genelyn, BFAR sent them food packs during the fishing ban. 

These families were also included in DOLE’s Tulong Pangkabuhayan Para sa Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) under the Emergency Employment Program covering a total amount of P19 million.

As of July 3, 2023, PCG reported that  about 95% of the coastline contaminated with the oil spill had already been cleaned, while the MENRO reported that the collected debris was already taken off to its disposal area outside of Antique by a contractor commissioned by the management of MT Princess Empress.