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The Department of Tourism (DOT) stated that there is “no direct link” or proof that the well-known dive site has been impacted by the oil spill from the MT Princess Empress last February in the joint report on the quality of the waters in Puerto Galera.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco stated during a press conference at Malacaang on Tuesday that while the Department of Health (DOH) has encouraged the public to proceed with prudence, “no swimming ban has been indicated, only that concerns have been expressed in the ingestion of water.”

Given the existence of other human and economic activities in Puerto Galera, she continued, ” therefore, our perception of this joint statement is that Puerto Galera tourism continues to be open, as well as that there has been no direct attribution in terms of the direct source of the findings.”

Only nine of the 35 test stations it visited in Puerto Galera, according to a joint statement from the DOH and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), have met the requirements for water quality recommendations on “oil and grease.”

Maria Rosario Vergeire, the DOH Officer in Charge, stated that the discovery “is not conclusively related” to the most recent oil leak.

Small Lalaguna and Big Lalaguna Shorelines, Balete, Central Sabang Shoreline, Coco Beach, Batangas Channel, Paniquian, Balatero, and West San Isidro Bay all pass the quality standards for “oil and grease” contaminants.

One of the dive spots Frasco previously visited for scuba diving was Lalaguna.

The majority of the tourism industry in Oriental Mindoro is based in Puerto Galera, which is the province’s top travel destination.

At its height, the well-known diving and beach town produced more than PHP1.2 billion in tourism revenue, according to Frasco.

“Despite the fact that Puerto Galera had only reopened in February of last year, the Philippines had already generated half a billion pesos in revenue. And we are fully aware that Puerto Galera’s rebound, particularly in terms of domestic tourism, is well underway this year, she added. In terms of foreign tourists, “we want to be able to ensure that Puerto Galera’s viability as a tourism destination continues.”

The director of tourism estimated that the closure or “perception of the oil spill having reached Puerto Galera” might result in a daily income loss of roughly PHP5.3 million.

In order to collaborate effectively with the local government of Puerto Galera in particular and the province as a whole, she said, the Department of Tourism works closely with the DENR, the DOH, and other related agencies, including the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government).

Frasco stated that the province suffered losses of little over PHP900 million as a result of the recent oil disaster, citing data from the provincial tourism agency.

Because of this, she stated, “I think the most crucial thing at this point in terms of tourism is to really ensure Puerto Galera’s continued viability as a tourism destination, considering that no less than 11,000 tourism workers depend on the industry continues to be open.”

Frasco reported that national government representatives, headed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., met with a number of mayors and community-based tourism organizations to discuss the livelihood training for the impacted locals during their visit to Oriental Mindoro on Saturday.

“We will begin the alternative livelihood training on April 24 and continue them through the month of May. Additionally, she added, “Our President is concerned about the welfare of our people, especially our front-line tourism employees. Kasi po concerned iyong ating Presidente sa kapakanan ng ating mga kababayang Pilipino.”

“We have also agreed with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that these individuals will be given alternative training, on the one hand, a free starter kit for their training, and on the other hand, mabibigyan po sila ng (they will also receive) TUPAD financial assistance,” Frasco said, adding that the Marcos administration is carefully balancing the need to protect the environment with the need to provide alternative training.

Depending on the type of work to be done, the TUPAD, or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers, is a community-based package of assistance that offers displaced workers, underemployed workers, and seasonal workers emergency employment for a minimum of 10 days and a maximum of 30 days.

Frasco also commended President Marcos for highlighting the tourist sector’s significance during his administration and acknowledging the significant impact it has had and continues to have on the Philippine economy.

The provincial oil spill site in Oriental Mindoro was inspected by the chief executive last week.

The President then oversaw the distribution of various forms of government aid to the afflicted citizens.

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