Barely had the dust settled from our recent two-part series on the dangers of sulfur inhalation in Batangas City when a new concern emerges — a matter we deem equally pressing.
If the assertions made by health and environmental organizations hereabouts hold true, this poses a significant health risk to the thousands of residents exposed to liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in Batangas City.
From my standpoint, the heartfelt plea from environmental groups for the Department of Health (DOH) to intervene in this crisis is not just necessary. It is imperative!
Their appeal has echoed for a year now, and it is high time it receives the attention it unquestionably deserves. Wala namang mawawala sa DOH o anumang govt agency kundi magkakaroon lamang ito ng kongkretong perspektiba sa naturang issue.
And methinks this issue should resonate with all of us.
In the immediate aftermath of their demonstration in front of the health agency on August 17th, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa instructed his counterpart in Calabarzon to launch an inquiry into this burning issue pronto.
The DOH-Calabarzon director acted promptly and initiated an investigation.
However, a comprehensive coalition of concerned individuals and groups alleges that the Calabarzon health director's position may be tainted by bias.
After their initial investigation, the director asserted that there appears to be no direct link between LNG exposure and residents' health issues.
Nevertheless, the said R4A director, who also met accordingly with Mayor Beverly Dimacuha-Marino during their investigation, pledged to conduct a more in-depth examination.
This is precisely why they advocate for an exhaustive investigation to be conducted by an independent agency if the government proves incapable of handling it.
The group contends that Batangas City, known as the country’s primary LNG hub, grapples with pressing health and environmental challenges.
Not only environmental groups but also residents in five local communities have raised alarming concerns about escalating health problems.
Recently, a religious congregation also visited the communities alledgedly impacted by LNG exposures.
These areas — Dela Paz Proper, Ilijan, Malitam, Sta. Rita Karsada, Tabangao Ambulong, and Tabangao Aplaya — host operational LNG power plants, boasting a combined 3.45 GW LNG capacity.
One community resident, Leonora Tolentino of Dela Paz Proper, expressed her frustration, stating that residents' ongoing health complaints seem to be falling on deaf ears.
The petitioners provide compelling evidence that, much like coal, fossil gas poses environmental harm, health hazards, and financial burdens.
They emphasize methane emissions, a primary byproduct of fossil gas, as a potent greenhouse gas, highlighting the health risks faced by local communities.
Dr. Ben Molino, a prominent advocate among the petitioners, underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive assessment of community health due to the reported surge in illnesses potentially linked to fossil gas operations. Prolonged exposure could lead to a full-blown health crisis.
Teaming up with climate justice groups such as the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) and Piglas Batangas, residents demand an inquiry into the health impacts of fossil gas. They call for the rejection of permit applications for fossil gas projects in Batangas City and the issuance of cease and desist orders for ongoing and proposed ventures.
PMCJ emphasizes that this petition marks the beginning of a broader campaign that urges the Philippine government and climate advocates to scrutinize the nation's power industry. Their stance advocates for a phased transition towards renewables, emphasizing a well-managed shift away from fossil fuel power plants to safeguard both community well-being and the planet's future.
Notably, Batangas City is also home to the renowned Monte Maria, a religious site that draws thousands of pilgrims from near and far during Lent.
As one travels up to Monte Maria, he or she will notice colossal buckets of oil depots, adding another layer of complexity to the city's environmental landscape.
In my opinion, apart from the DOH, the DENR should also play a significant role in addressing this burning issue.
#iTalk #IsmaelAmigo #SulfurGaspInBatangasNotJustAHealthIssue #OpinYonColumn #OpinYon