Visayas Oil Spill

MANILA, Philippines – A non-government organization has asked the government to compensate fishers who will be affected by a ban on fishing activities while oil and gas exploration activities are conducted in waters off Cebu.

In a statement, Arsenio Tanchuling, executive director of the Tambuyog Development Center, said the fishing ban will be imposed by the Japan Petroleum Exploration Company for two months. During that time, the firm will be conducting exploration activities covering seven square kilometers in the Tañon Strait.

The area covers the municipal waters of Aloguinsan and Pinamungajan in northern Cebu.

"Both the JAPEX and the Department of Energy have so far failed to give assurances in their consultations with stakeholders that they will compensate 1,500 affected fishers in the area," Tanchuling complained.

He said that the 1,500 fishers represent the total number of registered fishers in the municipalities of Aloguinsan and Pinamungajan.

Tanchuling explained that, based on a recent study made by Tambuyog, the two municipalities have an aggregate yearly fishing revenue of about P95 million.

"The opportunity cost of a two-month fishing ban would amount to P16 million, or about P10,600 per fisher," he said.

He also pointed out that this amount does not yet take into account the cost that may ensue from accidents, like oil spills, from the exploration site.

"Although not likely, a major oil spill could affect the whole Tañon Strait, including the southern portion where various dolphin and whale species are found, and which is becoming a major eco-tourism site," he said.

Also, the government has no alternative livelihood plans for fishers, in case the gas field is found to be viable for commercial production, he added.