Oil Spill Threat Prompts Urgent Action in Bacoor City

Government officials in Bacoor City are calling for urgent action to protect their coastal areas from an approaching oil spill.

The spill originated from the M/T Terranova, which sank off Bataan on July 25. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) predicts the oil will reach Bacoor Bay by Aug. 6.

Officials warn the spill threatens local shellfish farms and a mangrove forest planted in 2007. The mangroves serve as fish spawning grounds and protect against storm surges.

The city’s Office of Agricultural Service is working with local fishermen, the Community Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (CFARMC), and coast guard volunteers to create improvised oil spill booms using recycled plastic bottles.

Residents are urged to donate used plastic bottles of any size or color.

Collection points include the home of Allan Chua in Sinbanali village, the Office of Agricultural Service, and local barangay offices.

City officials emphasize the need for immediate community action to protect Bacoor’s coastal resources.