guimaras

August 11, 2006 dated the oil spill in Guimaras. I'm sure it sounds familiar. It was horrifying, labeled as Philippines' worst oil spill. It certainly was an “environmental catastrophe,” the “worst marine disaster.” The coasts of the island were blackened by the 2.1 million liters of bunker oil for transportation that spilled from the leak of the sunken tanker, MT Solar 1, owned by Sunshine Maritime Development Corp.
I felt sad by the news. First, because what a waste it was that the oil that underwent perhaps an intensive process and could have been beneficial, just leaked and spread through the waters of Guimaras, leaving disastrous effects in livelihood and the oceans. Second, it was because such a thing would happen to that place. Guimaras is somehow close to me because I've had trips there (some I don't think I still remember) as a kid. We went to a place to stay in an islet there, with cages in the vicinity. I fondly remember running my fingers through the blue-green water as we rode the pump boat. I was amazed by the large corals. So much for the reminiscence.
Then again, we talk about the effects and who's responsible. Of course, it should be Petron Corp. and Sunshine. I haven't heard from the news how they handled the responsibility. It all could have been avoided. Their rich marine life is of course affected, perhaps close to being devastated because of what happened. With oil in the waters, the mangroves, the crabs, the fishes—what could have become of them? Contaminated. Oil doesn't mix with water, and it could easily stick with the marine organisms (plants and animals) there.
They say it was an accident. But again and again and again. It's going to affect us and the planet! We're the ones who caused it; still, we are the ones who will get the effects. It affects marine life so badly. Environment is at stake, and so are we, in the long run, because we're the ones using resources from earth. Shouldn't we care? When we care, we are more determined to do something about it.
Effects were felt three years after, scientific studies showed. There was a decline in the growth and population of mangroves and seagrass, as shown in a study of a team led by Dr. Rene Rollon. In Dr. benjamin Vallejo Jr.'s study, there was also a decline in the mollusk population, like snails and slugs, some of which have even disappeared. Less food for the residents, or for us.
Please! As much as possible, people shouldn't let carelessness and apathy leave a disastrous mark on the environment. They should have double-checked their tanker for any holes. And in whatever ocean, lake, marshes, seas or any body of water in particular—let marine life there continue thriving, because it has a lot to contribute. Do we prefer being starred in the news and environmental critiques? It is such an easy way to give the company a bad name. Don't be in the list of the contributors of environmental disasters. Do it for the environment, especially the waters, and do it for yourself.
Can we do that? Yes, we can and we will.