CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — To further enhance disaster readiness, particularly for oil spill incidents, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through its Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Masinloc, Zambales, recently conducted an oil spill management orientation and drill.
CENRO Masinloc Head Donaver Guevarra said the activity highlighted the deployment of newly procured response equipment, including a 400-meter spill boom and spill boom kits. These tools are vital in improving on-ground preparedness to protect marine biodiversity and sustain livelihoods within the more than 7,000-hectare Masinloc and Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape (MOBPLS).
The spill booms serve as physical barriers designed to contain and control the spread of oil and other hazardous substances on water surfaces, helping prevent further damage to marine and coastal ecosystems.
“The acquisition of oil spill booms is a proactive step to ensure swift and effective response to oil spill and marine pollution incidents, thereby minimizing potential environmental impacts,” Guevarra said. He added that personnel from the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) in Masinloc were trained on the proper use of the equipment during emergencies.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo commended the initiative, citing its role in reinforcing marine ecosystem protection in the area.
“Last year, MOBPLS received the Gawad Pagkilala Award for marine conservation excellence and was recognized as an outstanding locally managed marine protected area during the 2025 Para El Mar Awards. These honors reflect the effective management of the only legislated marine protected area in Central Luzon, made possible through the collective efforts of the DENR, local government units, partner agencies, and the community,” Pablo said.
To further boost operational readiness, CENRO Masinloc, through PAMO, will conduct intensive hands-on training this February on the proper installation and deployment of spill booms. Participants will include personnel from the DENR, Philippine Coast Guard, local government units of Masinloc and Palauig, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippine National Police Maritime Group, and the Philippine Ports Authority.