The fisherfolk of Pola in Oriental Mindoro are suffering significant losses in income and livelihood following an oil spill that occurred over a month ago. The estimated loss per day is said to be P130m ($2.6m) and 4,800 fisherfolk and their families have been affected by a fishing ban. A rapid impact assessment revealed that 86.5% of residents are not satisfied with the government’s cash-for-work programme, as it is insufficient. Mayor Jennifer Cruz has presented alternative long-term livelihood programmes to the president, which will be implemented with the help of various governmental departments.
