Oil leaking from tanker reaches Bulacan coast

CITY OF MALOLOS, Philippines — The oil slick from the tanker Terra Nova that sank off the coast of Bataan has now reached the coastline of Bulacan.

This was confirmed yesterday morning to President Marcos by Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando during the situation briefing on the effects of Typhoon Carina in the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga and Bataan at the session hall of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan in Malolos City.

Fernando said the oil slick was sighted in the coastal area of Barangay Pamarawan in Malolos City as confirmed by its barangay chairman.

As this developed, Fernando sought the assistance of the President to set up oil slick booms in the coastal areas of Bulacan to protect its aquatic resources and the fishpond industry of the province.

Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga agreed that the oil spill should be contained but noted that commercial oil booms are too expensive and suggested that organic oil booms should be used because these are cheaper to make.

Loyzaga explained that rice straws and coconut husks could be processed to come up with an organic oil boom.

The President agreed to Loyzaga’s suggestion and proposed that the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program of the Department of Labor and Employment be implemented to provide a livelihood project for the residents affected by the floodwaters caused by Carina and the southwest monsoon.

The top officials of Bulacan, Pampanga and Bataan were advised by Loyzaga to gather these indigenous materials and technical people will be sent to them to teach their respective residents how to make the organic oil boom.

Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum and Health Secretary Ted Herbosa also suggested using “oil-eating bacteria” to help contain the oil slick.

Solidum quoted oil pollution expert Hernando Bacosa, saying “Manila Bay has a lot of oil-degrading bacteria because the area is a major shipping and transportation hub.”

The Chief Executive has also advised the Department of Social Welfare and Development to be on standby for what assistance it can provide to the residents that can be affected by the oil slick.

Top officials of Bulacan,