DSWD releases P4.6M aid to Antique families affected by oil spill

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Western Visayas has released P4.6 million in cash assistance to 570 families in Caluya, Antique, affected by the Oriental Mindoro oil spill.

Each of these initial beneficiaries received between P3,070 and P5,070, with the payout conducted on March 8-9.

These 570 families were identified by the Caluya local government unit as affected by the oil spill from the motor tanker Princess Empress.

The distribution occurred in Barangays Semirara and Tinogboc, and Sitio Liwagao in Barangay Sibolo, in coordination with the office of Antique Lone District Rep. Antonio Agapito Legarda.

This initial payout is for a portion of the approximately 7,000 residents impacted by the spill, whose livelihoods in fishing and seaweed culture have been affected.

The oil spill has been contained in several areas, and clean-up efforts are ongoing, with Caluya municipality having been placed under a state of calamity on March 6.