NUEVA VALENCIA, Guimaras -President Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday ordered the doubling of the number of material and personnel in the containment and cleanup operations of the massive oil spill that hit his island even as she said the spill has been "contained."

The President who convened the National Disaster and Coordinating Council and the Task Force Guimaras at the Raymen beach resort here, said the cleanup will be continued and sustained. She directed Defense Secretary and NDCC chair Avelino Cruz to mobilize cadets under the Reserve Officers Training Corps from Panay and Negros islands to help in the cleanup. College students enrolled in the National Service Training Program from the two islands will also be tapped.

The President expressed optimism that Guimaras will recover from the oil spill, considered the worst in the country's history.

"It will take more than an oil slick to sink this island. We base this optimism on the fact that the people of Guimaras are resilient as their national government is resolute. Together we will wipe away this smudge to bring back the smile on the face of the people of Guimaras," the President said at the opening of the NDCC meeting.

The President said the Tourism Department and the Task Force Guimaras are mapping out programs to revive and transform Guimaras as one of the major tourist spots in the country.

"Guimaras will be great again. Its future will be as bright as its beaches will be clean," the President said.

She will certify as urgent a bill pending in House of Representatives that will toughen environmental regulations on spillage.

Ms Arroyo said the incident should serve as a reminder to the government, oil companies and other firms engage in the transfer of oil and other chemical products on the need to cooperate to ensure compliance with existing rules and regulations on environmental protection.

Cruz said residents affected by the spill can avail of the $310 million compensation fund under the International Oil Pollution Compensation fund.

The fund can be tapped for payment for damage to property, expenses in cleanup, rehabilitation and restoration and lost profits resulting from oil spills.

IOPC consultants are in holding a seminar in Guimaras for prospective beneficiaries on the process and requirements and availing the fund.*NPB

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