The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is preparing to support fishermen in communities affected by an oil spill off the coast of Bataan province, through its emergency employment programme.

The MT Terra Nova oil tanker sank near Limay, Bataan, leading authorities to declare a “no-catch” zone for a week in the towns of Tanza, Naic, Maragondon, and Ternate, all in Cavite.

Ricky Velasco, a senior labor official overseeing the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program in Cavite province, said the department is assessing coastal communities to determine the scope of employment interventions needed.

“We are currently awaiting the results of the assessment to identify qualified TUPAD beneficiaries,” Velasco told media. “Once finalised, we plan to conduct an orientation session this Friday.”

The Cavite Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has recommended declaring a State of Calamity to facilitate aid and recovery efforts.

Under the TUPAD programme, eligible fishermen are set to receive P5,200 pesos for ten days of work, based on the provincial minimum wage of P520 pesos per day.

The initiative aims to provide temporary income support to workers displaced by the environmental disaster, as local fishing activities have been suspended.