Ex-Guimaras guv calls for immediate review of Philippine maritime, environmental laws
Emily Relucio-Lopez
Former Guimaras solon Emily Relucio-Lopez has now led the call for an urgent review of the country's maritime and environmental laws following the devastation brought by the oil spill that hit said island-province.
Now under the state of calamity, the once pristine beaches and rich fishing ground of Guimaras is in peril in what now stands to be the country's largest and worst oil spill. With clean-up and containment efforts on its high, both government and private groups alongside environmental experts set its eyes to prevent more damage to the vast area where the oil slick has spread
Latest reports placed the town of Nueva Valencia as hardest hit with 11 of its 16 coastal barangays affected or about 10,000 locals. Oil has reached some 105 hectares of mangroves, 15.8 square kilometers of coral reef area, 42 hectares of seaweed plantation and over 239 kilometer of coastline. Worse still, heavily damaged was the 1,143.45 hectare of the Taklong Island National Marine Reserve consisting of 41 islets.
Alarm was also sounded by both the Health Department and Fishery officials on the possible hazard posed by the oil spill as help were sped up for seawater and potable water clean-up intervention.
"A lot is being done for our affected families displaced by this terrible incident. From food supplies to government and non-government assistance and work being done to help minimize the effect on the environment, yet so much more is still needed," Lopez said.
As such, the former lady solon made personal representations to Congress and sought for an immediate review of the existing maritime laws and government provisions for environmental protection governing vessels and cargo ships passing through Philippine waters.
"This is not only for Guimaras. But we will use this incident to avoid similar occurrences in the future. There must be a better and faster way to deal with this kind of a problem. There must be a better way to safeguard our seas and have safer vessels in our waters," Lopez said.
Dubbed as the "mother of Guimaras," it was during Lopez' stint that millions in grants and aids poured in the island-province in support of its tourism and environmental programs. She was among the first to respond and joined efforts with provincial officials when news broke out of the disaster. Lopez appeared on national television seeking help for Guimaras while vowing to bring in more assistance to the displaced and affected locals.
"I spoke with House Speaker Jose De Venecia and Senate President Manny Villar about the need for immediate review I personally sought and they both gave assurance to act on it," Lopez ended.