I would like to write to you about the recent oil spill tragedy in Guimaras, Philippines. Guimaras is a tiny island in Southern Philippines known for its rich marine biodiversity, white beaches, mangrove and seaweed plantations.

But on August 11, an oil tanker carrying oil from Petron company sank in Guimaras waters spilling 2.19 million liters of oil and affecting as much as:  

• 26,000 individuals displaced
• 1,500 hectares of ecosystem
• 209 hectares of mangrove
• 20 hectares of sea grass
• 100 hectares of coral reef within Taklong Marina Reserve
• 58 villages (and threatens 37 more)

Outside the marine reserve

• 171,16 hectars of mangroves
• 42 hectares of seaweed
• 367, 29 hectares of fishpond (Nueva Valencia alone) 
• 257.02 hectares of mangroves and 16 hectares of seaweed (Sibunag Town)
• 10.8 hectares of mangroves (San Lorenzo town)
• 146 km of coastline and 15.8 sq km of coral reefs (Nueva Valencia)
• 74 km coral reefs (Sibunag)

Iloilo

• 10.34 kilometers of coastline in Ajuy
• 4.5 kilometers of coastline in Concepcion

Most of the individuals displaced from their homes depend on fishing as their livelihood. The same fishermen are also helping in the clean-up, being paid 300 pesos a day (6 dollars).

More than 900 individuals have been treated from respiratory infections and skin diseases due to exposure from oil. The presence of hydroxide sulfate has been found with levels exceeding way above normal. Hydroxide Sulfate can have long term effects on health and can even lead to death.

The oil tanker is still lying deep down in the ocean and is stil leaking 10 liters of oil per hour. The Philippine government has decided not to take the tanker out but to siphon the remaining oil. This process will start 3-6 months from now, such a slow response to something as tragic as this.

Please help me spread awareness by joining me at  http://www.saveguimaras.com  and by signing the petition. You can also check out http://www.projectsunrise.org the government-led organization supported by the Canadian Urban Institute.