Joint inspection team to issue 'clean bill of health' for oil spill affected areas
Warning signs like this in Guimaras would no
longer be seen once a clean bill of health is issued
on oil spill affected areas.
The joint inspection team of the government conducting air, water and soil laboratory analysis on the oil spill affected areas in the island province of Guimaras is set to release a "clean bill of health" for the affected communities for them to start their new lives.
Sources said they are just waiting for the arrival of Presidential Assistant Rafael Coscolluela, who is also the chair of the Task Force Guimaras, and release all the results of the laboratory examinations.
Coscolluela is in London where he is scheduled to meet with the officials of the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund (IOPCF) October 23, 2006 to discuss the issues relative to the siphoning of the remaining industrial fuel oil inside the compartments of MT Solar 1.
Sources said they will present the conclusive results to the people to allay the fears of the affected residents should they are already allowed to return to their respective barangays and start to fish again on the waters of Guimaras.
The joint inspection team is composed of Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Health, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippine Coast Guard, local government units and Petron Corporation.
Meanwhile, Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Esperanza Cabral said there is always hope for the residents affected by the oil spill in the province of Guimaras for as long as there is generosity in everyone's heart.
Cabral, who was in the city Saturday for the recognition day for volunteers of Mirant Emergency Response for Early Community Recovery Guimaras Relief Operation of the Mirant Philippines Foundation Inc. said everyone should ensure that the "human spirit" to help in disaster areas such as in Guimaras should always be alive.
Mirant Philippines Foundation Inc. helped in the relief operations in the affected towns of Guimaras such as the municipality of Nueva Valencia and Sibunag. Some 64 volunteers and employees of Mirant helped in the relief operation. The relief operation forms part of the company's corporate social response.
Cabral said they have already projected that the relief operation in Guimaras is a large scale one after the reports on the number of affected residents increased everyday. The government is aware of the long term repercussions brought about by the oil spill in Guimaras in terms of livelihood and environment.
Cabral added, the government immediately sees the need to help the residents. The department is also in coordination with the municipal government of the affected areas in the cash-for-work program and the livelihood trainings for the affected families.