'Forget politics now please,' Lopez appeals for unity in oil spill response
"Let us forget our politics now. Let us put up a unified front and unified fight against the devastating oil spill. More than any other time, now is the time to be one. Let us support our governor, our congressman, our mayors, barangay captains and all other local officials."
Thus were the sentiments of former Guimaras Governor and Congresswoman Emily Relucio-Lopez in the midst of clean-up and containment efforts in said island-province. As reported, Guimaras since the spill was beset with massive damage in over 300 kilometers of coastline and displacement of thousands in fisherfolks.
Even the registration of affected locals was met by confusion as both officials have respective sign-up efforts. Representatives of one non-government organization (NGO) told The News Today (TNT) that their group of volunteers was disheartened by the actual scenario seen in affected barangays. Here a distinction was reportedly made if the village is "pro-Nava" or "pro-Espinosa."
"As their mother in Guimaras, I make this appeal for unity and call on the people of Governor Nava and Congressman Espinosa. We need to give our best in this time of unimaginable damage to the lives of our people and our environment," Lopez added.
Currently, the Ambassador-designate to Italy, the former lady solon worked overtime to secure outside help particularly with line agencies of the United Nations.
"I am happy to report that our prayers have been answered. I got an initial positive response from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for a start-up financial assistance for Guimaras. Our work continues and with everybody's support, Guimaras can do it. Guimaras can get back and continue with its development programs. The people will soon be able to start life anew," she continued. "So again comes my appeal to our leaders in the province and each and every Guimarasnon – let us forget our politics and think as one. This is all we need to make that important step out of the harm brought by the oil spill. Let us not cause another tragedy to hit us by being divisive at this time."
The oil spill was brought by a maritime accident within Guimaras strait. Petron-chartered M/T Solar 1 pounded by strong winds and waves gave in and sunk late Friday afternoon. Some 2 million liters of bunker fuel were feared to have been spilled with the tanker still submerged south of Guimaras.
The oil slick which began to cover over 20 nautical miles (over 300 kilometers) on its first day spread fast and feared to reach coastal towns of Negros Occidental and Iloilo Province. Guimaras on the other hand had the Municipality of Nueva Valencia as hardest hit including the pristine beaches and country's national marine reserve.
Vast area of the mangroves and coral reefs were also oiled as over 40 hectares of seaweed plantation was also heavily-damaged.