CITY OF CALAPAN, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) -- President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.  is expected to visit Oriental Mindoro today, April 15, to lead the distribution of various government assistance to fisherfolks who are affected by the oil spill in the area.

Prior to the distribution of government assistance in Pola town, the President will be briefed about the status of the containment and the clean-up efforts of the Philippine Coast Guard and the assistance to the fisherfolks, whose livelihood activities have been put to a halt due to the fishing ban.

He will also conduct an aerial inspection of the waters and coastal areas affected by the oil spill from the ill-fated MT Princess Empress.

In his initial directive days after the incident, the President ordered a whole-of-nation approach in containing the oil spill and in assisting the affected fishing communities.

Various national government agencies, local government units, private and civic organizations as well as international organizations have aided the affected communities.

Among the agencies that provided assistance to the oil spill affected communities are the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with its cash-for-work program and food assistance, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) with its TUPAD program,  Department of Agriculture (DA),  and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) with its KADIWA Oplan Isda and food assistance; as well as the local government units of the nine affected municipalities.

Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor and other local government officials will welcome the President upon his arrival in the municipality of Pola, which was most heavily affected by the oil spill waste.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council estimates about 75,000 households have already been affected by the oil spill incident in Oriental Mindoro. (VASM/PIA MIMAROPA)