High levels of lead found in Guimaras villages

By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Inquirer Visayas Bureau
08/28/2008

ILOILO CITY – Health officials in Guimaras found dangerously high levels of the deadly heavy metal lead in water samples taken from five villages in two towns in the province.

Dr. Felicito Lozarita, provincial health officer, said results of tests held April 16 showed that lead content in water sources in five villages in Nueva Valencia and Sibunag towns were above .01 mg per liter, the level of lead considered safe.

Lozarita said four villages in Nueva Valencia and one in Sibunag registered higher than normal levels. (Click here for the rest.)

DENR assures thorough study of mining applications in Guimaras

The News Today
Aug. 27, 2008

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has committed to make a thorough review of all mining applications in the island province of Guimaras.

“All pending applications will be under serious study,” said DENR Secretary Jose “Lito” Atienza during a recent visit here.

Guimaras Gov. Felipe Nava said the communities oppose the move on large-scale mining explorations.

The Guimaras provincial government even initiated a massive awareness campaign by posting several “Spare Guimaras” streamers to urge the agency’s Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to deny applications for massive mining activities. (Click here for the rest.)

Guimaras drinking water monitored

BY NESTOR P. BURGOS JR.
Visayan Daily Star 08/19/08

GUIMARAS ISLAND – Health officials here are monitoring the quality of drinking water from wells and other sources after samplings showed above normal levels of lead in five villages on the island.

Provincial health officer Dr. Felicito Lozarita said results of water samplings conducted in April 16 this year showed that lead content in water sources in five barangays in Nueva Valencia and Sibunag towns were above the standard of .01 mg per liter.

Lozarita said in an interview that four villages in Nueva Valencia and one in Sibunag registered higher than normal levels.

These are barangays Algeria in Sibunag (.05 mg/l) and San Antonio (.82 mg/l), Igdarapdap (.011 mg/l), Cabalagnan (.013 mg/l) and Panubulon (.022 mg/l) in Nueva Valencia. (Click here for the rest.)

DENR to consider opposition to mining

BY NESTOR P. BURGOS JR.
Visayan Daily Star 08/19/08

JORDAN, Guimaras – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources yesterday said it will consider the opposition of officials and residents of Guimaras in evaluating applications for mining exploration on the island.

DENR Regional Executive Director, Lormelyn Claudio, said the strong stance of Guimaras officials will be a factor in the approval or disapproval of at least four applications for mining activities on the 60,000-hectare island.

“If the local government is against it, we have to consider that,” Claudio said in a press conference here at the launching of the Guimaras Integrated Coastal Management Program. (Click here for the rest.)

TWO YEARS AFTER OIL SPILL

P17M in projects up for Guimaras towns
Visayan Daily Star, 8/13/2008

The Department of Agriculture is implementing P17.8-million worth of livelihood projects for 3,800 residents of Guimaras affected by the oil spill two years ago.

Guimaras Provincial Agriculturist Ronnie Morante said three projects were identified, among them vegetable production, which has 2,400 beneficiaries.

Projects on swine fattening and goat production have 700 recipients, respectively. (Click here for the rest.)

Guimaras launches drive against mining activities

JORDAN, Guimaras – Stickers and streamers emblazoned with “Spare Guimaras” have appeared in this province marking the start of a campaign against mining activities in the island.

Guimaras Gov. Felipe Nava said they will launch the campaign against approved and pending applications for mining in the province because of its environmental and health effects.

The applications cover from 70 to 80 percent of the 60,000-hectare island with applications covering from 2,000 to 30,000 hectares, according to the governor.

“This will destroy the island,” Nava said here yesterday at the sidelines of the briefing on rehabilitation efforts on areas affected by the August 2006 oil spill.

Guimaras is known for its pristine beaches, export quality mangoes and richness in natural resources. (Click here for the rest.)

DENR scored for diverting funds for Guimaras

By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Visayas Bureau, PDI
08/12/2008

JORDAN, GUIMARAS – Guimaras officials have scored the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for implementing oil spill rehabilitation projects in areas not affected by the oil spill.

Guimaras Gov. Felipe Nava said the DENR had implemented livelihood projects using rehabilitation funds even in communities that were hardly affected by the Aug. 11, 2006 oil spill.

“I’m not contented with what’s happening. We are in the dark and we don’t know if these are beneficial to the people of Guimaras. I think we should correct this (because) we are wasting precious money,” Nava said during a presentation of updates on the rehabilitation programs marking the second anniversary of the oil spill held on Monday. (Click here for the rest.)

OIL SPILL DAMAGE

Guimaras recovering but non-release of funds stalls rehab

By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Visayas Bureau, PDI
08/11/2008

GUIMARAS ISLAND—Two years after a massive oil spill hit this island-province, officials and experts said the island is showing recovery and coping from the impact of the calamity.

But rehabilitation efforts have been stalled by the non-release of around P150 million intended for development programs.

“Our activities are back to normal,” Guimaras Gov. Felipe Nava told the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net).

He said residents in all areas affected by the oil spill have gone back to fishing. (Click here for the rest.)