The provincial government of Ilocos Norte and other agencies have begun providing assistance to fisherfolk affected by the oil spill from a cargo vessel that ran aground on June 8 in the waters off this town.

Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, together with the local government of Badoc, handed over family food packs to affected fisherfolk in Barangay La Virgen Milagrosa on Wednesday.

“This is just initial assistance as the provincial government, along with other government agencies, works together to provide continuous support to restore livelihoods and ensure sustainable recovery,” she said.

“Thank you so much for the speedy response of our uniformed personnel in containing the oil spill,” Araneta-Marcos added.

Mayor Virgilio Calajate mobilized the LGU’s resources and personnel, joining the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine National Police for containment and removal of spilled oil, as well as continuing coastal cleanup.

The multiagency response has recovered more than 100 liters of oil mixture within 15 meters along the shoreline.

Swimming and fishing are temporarily restricted near the capsized ship at the boundary of Dadalaquiten in Sinait, Ilocos Sur, and La Virgen Milagrosa in Badoc.

All 15 crew members rescued from the vessel are staying in a rented house pending repairs. Authorities said strong waves flooded the ship’s ballast tanks, prompting an emergency beaching maneuver. (PNA)