The DSWD Field Office VI is helping families affected by oil spill in Semirara Island, Antique Province.

Regional Director Carmelo N. Nochete immediately ordered the dispatch of P541,000-worth of family food packs composed of 1,000 boxes for the affected families.

“We are one with Antique Provincial Government and Caluya LGU in their pursuit to ease the effects of the oil spill to the affected families. DSWD will always support them to ensure immediate relief and recovery of those affected,” said Director Nochete.

According to Director Nochete, the DSWD is closely coordinating with the Provincial Government for the response operations. The Philippine Coast Guard has committed to help in the fast hauling of the goods so that aid reaches the families fast.

Records of the Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD) of DSWD Field Office VI shows that an estimated 70 families composed of 350 persons are affected. This is an initial report though as validation is still going on.

On March 3, 2023, at around 5:30 in the morning, oil spill was spotted at Brgy. Tinogboc, Semirara Island in Caluya, Antique.

Meanwhile, Director Nochete assured that the agency has sufficient stockpile of goods at its warehouse and prepositioning sites in Western Visayas for any eventuality that may happen./dswd6