0713101

PRESS RELEASE
Public Information Office-City Mayor’s Office
July 13, 2010

City Aids Banago Fisher Folks

    Mayor Evelio Leonardia has directed the Department of Social Services and Development to provide immediate food assistance to at least 159 fishermen whose livelihood were affected by the oil spill that hit the Banago shores recently.

     DSSD head Sally Abelarde and Executive Assistant Ernie Pineda led the distribution of rice and groceries to the affected families at the Bacolod City Hall over the weekend.

     Leonardia said that the provision of food assistance may not be a permanent solution to the problem but could at least help feed the families of the fishermen who were directly affected by the oil spill caused by a leakage from an old pipeline owned by Chevron Philippines.

     The fishermen earlier sought help from the city government as well as from the management of the oil company.

     The mayor said that while the city government is working out on a permanent solution together with Chevron, it is important that the affected fishermen get immediate help as they rely solely on fishing for livelihood.