Activity Report

MT PRINCESS EMPRESS OIL SPILL DAMAGE ASSESSMENT AND ECOSYSTEM

VALUATION (RESTORATION COST) FOR COASTAL AND MARINE ECOSYSTEMS
IN ORIENTAL MINDORO

23-29 January 2024

I. INTRODUCTION

Following the Philippine Coast Guard reported oil spill with an estimated area of
5-kilometer-long and 500-meter-wide near the half-submerged motor tanker, MT
PRINCESS EMPRESS, in the vicinity waters off Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, on, 28
February 2023, the DENR, through the Biodiversity Management Bureau, created the
MT Princess Empress Oil Spill Rapid Assessment Team which was deployed on March
2023.
The Rapid Assessment was followed by an initial valuation of the affected coastal
and marine ecosystems in April. The initial value identified through the benefit transfer
method is 7 Billion PhP for coral reefs, seagrass, and mangrove ecosystems. The benefit
transfer method refers to the process of using studies, data, or models derived in one
location or context (study site) to estimate the economic values of ecosystem services in
an alternative context or location (new site). BMB has also attended the Scientific
Conference about Valuation last June 22–23, 2023.

The Post-Disaster Needs Assessment conducted by the Office of the Civil

Defense - MIMAROPA last November 2023 was attended by different agencies from
different sectors: Production, Social, and Cross-sectoral. The PDNA recognized the need
to provide a validated cost for the damages and loss caused by the Oil spill in the
environmental sector. Following this, the BMB conducted a consultation last January
2024 with UP-MSI, PCG, PhilSA, BFAR-MIMAROPA, and Region IV-B LGU. The
consultation meeting provided clear provisions and methods for valuing the damaged
coastal and marine ecosystems.

In response to the consultation on valuation, the Biodiversity Management

Bureau's Coastal and Marine Division, in collaboration with ERDB and Regional offices
from 4A and 4B, aims to conduct a comprehensive biological assessment. The primary
goal is to thoroughly examine the impact of the oil spill on coastal and marine
ecosystems. This assessment will encompass a detailed evaluation of affected flora and
fauna, focusing on short-term and potential long-term implications for biodiversity. The
coordinated effort, including other field implementers and collaboration with the Office
of Civil Defence, ensures a holistic approach. The ultimate objective is to provide
insights that contribute to effective mitigation and management strategies for the
impacted areas.
 II. OBJECTIVES
The assessment's primary goal is to precisely determine the impact and extent of
damage from the oil spill incident. The resulting data will contribute significantly to
valuing ecosystems, aiding in the strategic calculation of restoration costs for affected
habitats and biodiversity. Following this please see below the specific objective of the
activity:

1. Provide inputs for the economic valuation by identifying and validating the
impacted coastal and marine habitat extent of the MT Prince Empress Oil Spill in
February 2023.
2. Develop and propose a robust monitoring plan for the Biodiversity Assessment
and Monitoring System Coastal and Marine Ecosystems (BAMS CME) to serve
as a comprehensive guide for field implementers. This plan should ensure
effective and standardized data collection for assessing the ongoing health and
recovery of the impacted ecosystems.
3. Consolidate actual costs and expenses (tangible and intangible) incurred for the
oil spill rehabilitation and recovery effort by each affected municipality.

III. METHODOLOGY

The spatial data submitted by partner agencies including NAMRIA (National Mapping
and Resource Information Authority), PCG (Philippine Coast Guard), and PHILSA (Philippine
Space Agency) were overlaid to identify the initial impacted sites of the oil spill (Figure 1).
Figure 1 shows the consolidated data on the impacted coastal and marine ecosystems of the oil
spill.

Figure 1.

A total of 18 stations are proposed covering the Municipalities of Mansalay, Naujan, and
Pola. A team for the different coastal and marine ecosystems was deployed to a pre-identified
sampling site to validate the oil spill impact and further collect data on the condition and
diversity of the ecosystem.

B. FIELD METHODS
 The assessment methods employed were based on the guidelines indicated in the
Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring System for Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
(BAMS CME) Technical Bulletins, specifically no. 2017-05 on Guidelines on the
Assessment of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems and 2019-04 on Technical Guide on
Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring System for Coastal and Marine Ecosystems.
These established protocols were utilized to comprehensively evaluate coral reefs and
associated reef fish, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests.

Sediment samples were collected in relation to the assessment of the carbon stock in the
monitoring stations for mangroves.

IV. TEAM COMPOSITION

A total of ___ (__ Males, ___ Females) joined in the conduct of assessment activities. Complete
names and details of the participating personnel are seen in Annex ___.

A. Coordination/Logistics
● DENR BMB
● DENR MIMAROPA
● DENR PENRO Oriental Mindoro
● DENR CENRO Socorro
● DENR CENRO Roxas

B. Assessment ( Corals, Seagrass, Mangrove, Socio-economic) including Data

Cleansing/Encoding and Report Write-up (Writeshop)
● DENR BMB
● DENR ERDB
● DENR PENRO Oriental Mindoro
● DENR CENRO Socorro
● DENR CENRO Roxas
● Provincial Agriculturist’s Office - Oriental Mindoro
● LGU
- Mansalay (Brgy. B Del Mundo)
- Pola (Brgy. Calima, Brgy. Batuhan, Brgy. Tagumpay, Brgy.
Misong)
- Naujan (Brgy. Herrera, Brgy. Montemayor, Brgy. Masaguing)
● Philippine Coast Guard - MEPCOM
● Mindoro State University
 V. HIGHLIGHTS

23 January 2024 - Egress

At approximately 5:30 AM, the team from the Biodiversity Management Bureau left the office
for Batangas Port, reaching the destination at around 10:00 AM. Shortly upon arrival, service
vehicles went on board the boat. By 1:00 PM, they arrived at Calapan Port and proceeded
directly to PENRO Oriental Mindoro for a courtesy call with PENRO, Engr. Alan L. Valle

By 3:00 PM, an orientation, led by PENRO staff and BMB, was conducted to discuss the
background, rationale, and initial plans for the activity. PENRO Valle extended his welcome and
gratitude for the collective effort. During the orientation, the team strategically planned areas to
visit concerning coastal and marine habitats potentially impacted by the oil spill, based on
available data and modeling. After the orientation, the team went on a 3-hour land trip in the
afternoon and settled in CENRO Roxas for the first assessment site, Mansalay.

Table 1. Highlights of the Assessment

Jan 24 Corals
Mansalay No assessment was conducted instead the team conducted a visual inspection of
the area Mr. Romena and Ms. Nuevas opted for an underwater ocular survey while
drift diving to validate the reef area instead of doing the BAMS CME for safety
reasons. The reef was mostly composed of soft and whip corals with patches of
hard corals. There were no signs of oil traces on the surveyed reef.

Seagrass
Seagrass beds were not present in the area.

Mangrove

Overall weather condition and observation in the area

The coral reef team was on their way to the specified coordinates in Langawin
Reef. However, due to the inclement weather and rough seas, the boatman
suggested a different site nearer to the shore (Wasig) around 800m away from
Langawin Reef.

Courtesy Call (LGU)

The team paid a courtesy call to the Municipal Administrator, Engr. Alexis _____.

Jan 25 Corals
Bgry. The coral assessment was not connected because of the weather limiting
Calima accessibility to the coordinates as indicated in the proposed site. No diving was
Pola conducted

(Stella Seagrass
Mariz The seagrass team was unable to conduct an assessment due to strong tides and
MPA) winds. Survey on the area however was feasible and leaf samples of seagrass were
collected. Four species were identified namely: Thalassia hemprichii, Halophila
ovalis, Halodule uninervis, and Halodule pinifolia.

. Oil stains were visible on the pebbles and boulders present in the area validating
the impact of the oil spill on the area. Initially, only corals and seagrass were
identified based on the initial map.

Mangrove
However, two mangrove areas dominated by Rhizophora apiculata and
Rhizophora mucronata, and Sonneratia alba were found. The team conducted a
mangrove assessment instead of the Sonneratia-dominated area and provided the
coordinates of the Rhizophora sp. dominated areas for the Mangroves team.

Since the mangrove team was conducting the assessment in Brgy. Calima proper
coordinates within this area were recorded for their full assessment the following
day.

Overall weather condition and observation in the area

The inclement weather persisted. The service vehicles were not able to pass rough
roads and muddy slopes. The team traveled on foot to reach the coral reef and
seagrass bed sites carrying heavy equipment and gear. The challenging hike lasted
around a 40-50 minute walk and the team could still not conduct a coral reef
assessment due to rough waves.

Others
The team transferred to Socorro for the next set of assessments, concluding the day
with a courtesy call to the then-in-charge CENRO, Ms. Maria Alva Renelyn A.
Culla-Umali, LMO III/Chief RPS.

Jan 26 Corals
Pola The coral reef team was joined by representatives from PCG-MEPCOM. CG
_____, Mr. Romena, and Ms. Nuevas deliberated if they would continue with the
coral reef assessment. CG _____ advised the cancellation of the coral assessment
due to strong winds and currents considering safety. The Brgy. Captain of Brgy.
Tagumpay suggested looking into the exposed corals (during low tide) 300m away
from the seagrass site. There were colonies of Acropora, Goniastrea, and Porites.
There were no visible oil stains on the coral colonies, instead, the rocks and
pebbles showed stains. However, the Acopora colonies showed signs of
discoloration (from brown to green) but this cannot be
 Seagrass
Seagrass assessments were conducted at Tagumpay and Sitio Kweba. The
identified species are Thalassia hemprichii (TH), Enhalus acoroides (EA), and
Cymodocea rotundata (CR). Oil stains were also visible on the nearby pebbles and
stones in the area.

Mangrove

Others
A courtesy call with the municipal administrator preceded discussions about the
activity's rationale and the needed data from the municipality of Pola.

Jan 27 Corals and Seagrass

Naujan The attempt to conduct corals and seagrass assessment remained challenging due
to impassable roads. The team reconsidered other routes and headed to Sitio Kapili
beach, but rough tides hindered boat travel to Tujod. Seagrass areas were absent in
the area,

Mangrove

Others
(Report Writing)

Jan 28
Naujan

Jan 29 Exit Conference

PENRO

24 January 2024 - Mansalay

Early the next day, the three teams arrived at the _____ port and were faced with heavy rain.
visited their respective sites within Mansalay.

The coral reef team set a course for Langawin Reef but due to the rough tides, they were not able
to go to the designated site

Due to the _____ the team opted to conduct an underwater ocular survey while drift diving
instead of . Langawin Reef is an identified area where the oil spill traversed. The seagrass and
mangroves teams proceeded with their assessments as planned. Post-assessment, the team paid a
courtesy call to the Municipal Administrator, Mr. ________.

25 January 2024 - Brgy. Calima

The following day, inclement weather persisted. At the same time, the service vehicles were
unable to pass rough and sloping roads. The team, faced with the challenge, traveled on foot to
reach the coral reef and seagrass bed sites but this caused a struggle for everyone especially
members carrying heavy equipment and gear. After a 40-50 minute walk and hike, the team
could still not conduct a coral reef assessment due to rough waves. The team transferred to
Socorro for the next set of assessments, concluding the day with a courtesy call to the then in-
charge CENRO, Ms. Maria Alva Renelyn A. Culla-Umali, LMO III/Chief RPS.

26 January 2024 - Pola

On the third day, despite worsening weather, the teams went to Tagumpay to check the
feasibility of diving activities. Beforehand, a courtesy call with the municipal administrator
preceded discussions about the activity's rationale and the needed data from the municipality of
Pola. The Philippine Coast Guard advised the cancellation of the coral assessment due to strong
currents and still rough tides. Considering safety, the team only conducted a seagrass assessment
in ________ , followed by another assessment in Sitio Kuweba. After marking mangrove sites in
Puting Cacao for future habitat assessment and monitoring, the team moved to Calapan, staying
in the hostel of PENRO Oriental Mindoro.

27 January 2024

The next day, the attempt to reach Tujod remained challenging due to impassable roads. The
team reconsidered other routes and headed to Sitio Kapili beach, but still rough tides hindered
boat travel to Tujod. Seagrass areas were absent in the area, while the mangroves team continued
assessments in Tagumpay and Puting Cacao. The rest of the team returned to PENRO Oriental
Mindoro for a small group meeting to discuss initial recommendations and plans.

VI. ISSUES AND CONCERNS

- Coral reef, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests

- Inaccessibility of sites
- Human resources (Limited technical capacity of team members on habitat assessment and
monitoring
- Logistics
- type of vehicle – not suitable for remote areas
- site validation must have been done prior to activity proper
 - not programmed in regular CMD and CENRO WFP activities
- Insurance of/hazard pay for all personnel involved
-
- Activities require enough lead time (1-2 months) for concerned remote barangays and
government agencies to prepare resources (human resource and physical assets [ie.
technical equipment, vehicles, etc.])
- Inclement weather and climate

VII. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A. Coral reefs assessment

B. Seagrass assessment
Results of the seagrass assessment conducted showed that the validated extent of the
impacted seagrass areas is _______. Additionally, Figure x. Shows that the

C. Mangrove and carbon stock assessment

D. Initial socio-economic survey

VIII. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS

 - Data and Information needs
- Rehabilitation costs from different agencies
- PCG SCAT
- Shapefiles
-
- Timeline to conduct remaining activities
- Utilization of remaining 3.8M PENRO Budget
- Valuation workshop/writeshop (1st week of March)
- Conduct of BAMS Training (April - May)
- Actual assessments on remaining mangrove, corals, and seagrass habitats (April -
May) including macrobenthos (ERDB)
- Carbon stock assessment (ERDB)
- Sediment analysis for oil (EMB)
- Ensure that monitoring plans are in place
- Conduct a socio-economic survey within the identified impact areas, with a specific focus
on determining and engaging target respondents based on their household proximity to
the affected zones. The primary goal is to gather pertinent socio-economic data that will
contribute to a holistic understanding of the broader impact of the MT Princess Empress
Oil Spill on local communities and economies
- Request rehab/recovery cost through OCD
- Mention something about PCGs oil fingerprint library/assessment
-

Prepared by:

Recommending Approval: Approved by:

ARMIDA P. ANDRES MARCIAL C. AMARO, JR.

OIC Assistant Director Assistant Secretary for International Affairs,
In concurrent capacity as Chief, CMD And concurrent OIC Director