ORMOC CITY MAYOR AND AUXILIARY COMMODORE Lucy Torres Gomez, PCGA, graced the Launching of the Task Force Ingat Yamang Dagat and Oil Spill Response Simulation Exercise held at the Liga ng mga Barangay Function Hall on Thursday, August 7, 2025. The initiative was spearheaded by the Marine Environmental Protection Enforcement and Response Group-Eastern Visayas, with the aim of safeguarding the marine environment against pollution — especially in light of the anticipated increase in maritime traffic in Ormoc City and Ormoc Bay brought about by the establishment of new ports and onshore facilities. The program also recognized that enhancing oil spill resiliency is essential to ensuring public safety and environmental protection, and affirms the importance of integrating such efforts into the city’s safety and security programs. In her message, Mayor Lucy emphasized that the task force is centered on preparedness, resilience, and safeguarding lives, and that the health of Ormoc Bay is directly linked to the well-being of communities, the strength of the local economy — particularly the fisheries sector — and the future of the next generation. Present also at the said event were SP Member Gerry Penserga; Coast Guard District Eastern Visayas Commander Captain Jonathan Marfil, PCG; Coast Guard District Eastern Visayas Deputy Commander Captain Elgene JF Gregorio, PCG; other Coast Guard District Officers; as well as civilian guests and stakeholders. Grabbed from the City Government of Ormoc FB Page (EV Mail AUGUST 4-10, 2025 issue)