Date of Publication :18th October 2023

Abstract: The Philippines is an archipelagic state bounded by various bodies of water and has around 17.5 thousand kilometers of coastline; inside the territorial waters, there are also a total of 1.67 million square kilometers of fisheries that are abundant with marine products such as corals, pearls, crabs, seaweeds, and diverse fish species; in 2020, coastal and marine resource management established marine protected area (MPA); maritime activities in the Philippines pose threats and harm to these marine resources. From 1998-2023, the Philippines recorded 18 major oil spills; there were reported economic losses, with fisher folks losing their livelihood, and the operation of nearby tourist spots was restricted - resulting in tourism revenue lost; the marine environment was also affected. It also impacted the health of numerous households with complaints of respiratory illness, dizziness, dermatitis, and stomachaches. Sadly, on 28 February 2023, another oil spill incident transpired from a sunken vessel, M/T Princess Empress, carrying approximately 900,000 liters of industrial oil. This study aimed to investigate crucial oil spills in the Philippines, their impact, response practices, and challenges to provide innovative solutions that could immediately diminish the spread of oil spills and mitigate further losses and damages.

Reference :