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

Fishermen in Guimaras are in dire need of protective suits and masks to continue helping in the clean up. Some of them are using their bare hands to sift the oil out of the coastline.  There are some who are developing skin rashes and coughing from  working in this condition.

I dont know what organization to go to ask for help. (to donate please check www.projectsunrise.org

In another twist, people are starting to cut their hair in the Philippines. Parlors are teeming with people who are getting a makeover and donating their hair samples for Guimaras. Greenpeace has announced that hair has absorbing properties and is proven effective with oil-spill incidents.

This article has been written by a friend of mine, a journalist from Visayas, Philippines. CNN and BBC only covered this tragedy in one article. The international community is clearly ignoring this environmental disaster and focusing more on featuring alleged paedophile killers or celebrities caught up in a drink-driving spree! Please fwd to all your friends

INQUIRER VISAYAS
Tragedy in Guimaras, Iloilo