Guimaras: The Forsaken Paradise

Guimaras, a small island in the coast of Iloilo on Panay island in the Philippines, a South East Asian country, is famous for its white sand beaches, island coves and mangrove reserves. The sea of Guimaras is also home to exotic fresh fish, shellfish and corals. It is famous for its export-quality mangoes giving rise to the "Manggahan Festival ." The only monastery in the Philippines can also be found in Guimaras- the Trappist Monastery run by the order of Cisterians of the Strict Observance.

But this once famous tourist destination is in danger of being totally destroyed. In August 11, 2006, the oil tanker M/T Solar I sank at the Guimaras strait spilling 200,000 liters of bunker oil. According to sources, the oil spill has damaged 220 kilometers of coastline, 450 hectares of mangroves and 116 hectares of seaweed plantations. By August 22, the Philippine Coast Guard reported that the spill has already affected 20 communities in the 4 municipalities of Guimaras.

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo formed the Task Force Guimaras to oversee the cleanup of the spill. The task force is also exerting all efforts to retrieve the sunken tanker that still contains 1.8 million liters of bunker oil. Petron Corporation, a mainplayer in the oil industry, and Sunshine Maritime Development Corp, the two bodies held responsible for the oil spill, are in danger of a class suit to be filed be the affected residents of Guimaras.

How vast is the damage done? An oil spill not only destroys the beauty of the sea and its shore, but more importantly, oil clogs the gills of fish and destroys the filters of shellfish like oysters and clams. Reproduction will also be hindered because the oil will kill photoplankton, the primary source of food for marine animals. Even the corals will be destroyed because the oil will cause their tissues to swell and degenerate. The mangroves that were affected by the spill will take up to a decade to recover since they absorb the elements in the water. All in all, the environment, most importantly, marine life will be seriously damaged and killed by this oil spill which is considered as the worst oil spill in the Philippines. Its effect on humans is also alarming, in fact, a villager from Nueva Valencia, a small town in Guimaras, was reported to have died due to a cardio-respiratory disease he acquired from inhaling the toxic fumes from the spill. Various skin diseases can also be contracted because of this causing skin reddening and edema. Prolonged exposure to this element will also affect the central nervous system and may cause acute inhalation poisoning.

Amidst the controversy that Petron and Sunshine Maritime are now facing because of reports of overloading, the restoration of Guimaras is well on its way. The Philippines' leading company, San Miguel Corporation and a famous salon, Reyes Salon have pledged to contribute chicken feathers and human hair to serve as a protective barrier for nearby provinces like Iloilo, Negros Occidental and other potential victims of the oil spill. Even prisoners detained in the city jails like Caloocan and Quezon City have all shaved their heads so they could contribute to the protection of marine life. Residents of the island were hired by Petron to clean-up the mess they have made. President Arroyo also ordered the immediate release of a P20 million calamity fund, P10 million will go to Guimaras and P5million each to Iloilo and Negros Occidental.

Experts say the restoration period of Guimaras could take up to three years. Until then, one wonders how the people affected could make a living, them being mostly fishermen. Will the P20million fund and the payment of Petron and Sunshine Maritime ever suffice all their needs? More importantly, will any amount of money restore the forsaken paradise that was Guimaras?