Has anybody ever thought of calculating the amount of gas being needlessly spent by all the vehicles that are caught in the morning and afternoon traffic jams at Ateneo de Manila University and Miriam College?
Yesterday morning, the MMDA closed-off the lane going to Gate 2 of the Ateneo from the Katipunan-Aurora flyover. Motorists, caught unawares, were trapped by the traffic that lasted way past the usual 7 a.m. going-to-school rush. It would have helped if the MMDA announced the drastic change in advance, but no, they didn't. Us parents and the school bus service companies could have made adjustments for this had they made the announcement before they implemented the changes.
This change has been the 4th time that they have made changes in the Katipunan Road traffic scheme since June 2008. I am not complaining about the effort that they are exerting; I am even lauding the MMDA for that. What I am peeved at is that the MMDA cannot communicate the changes that they are planning before implementing them. I am appalled at the waste in fuel resulting from the traffic jams created by the very system that seeks to solve the problem.
Calling on the MMDA!!!
In case they have forgotten, they have their own Traffic Radio at 1206 in the AM band and the MMDA Chairman has a weekly TV Program. Why can't these be used to announce the changes that the MMDA seeks to implement? Dozens of tarpaulin advertisements hang in the lampposts at the Katipunan area; why can't they put printed informative announcements if ever they are planning to do some changes in the traffic flow there?
All that we need here is plain common sense. But then, common sense indeed is not common and due to this, we need to endure the traffic and waste gas at Katipunan.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Backsliding
During the previous month, we were elated with the facts provided by the MMDA and the LRTA regarding two statistics: one, the decrease in the number of private vehicles traveling along the main thoroughfares of Metro manila during peak hours and two, the increase in the number of commuters using the LRT and MRT.
Premium gasoline breached the P60.00 level and diesel fuel hovered near P58.00. With that, most people decided to limit usage of their private vehicles and instead opted to try the trains in commuting in Metro Manila. This augured well for the improvement of Metro Manila's Air Quality, what with lesser vehicles emitting toxic gases into the atmosphere.
The last two weeks saw the big decrease in the pump prices of all gasoline products. Today, crude oil prices went below US$90.00 per barrel. Us, people of the Philippines are back to our old ways. We are back to using our cars more often and abhorring using public transport again. Of course I understand how hard it was to use the light trains during the gas price crises months of August and September; I saw for myself how packed the trains were at all times of the day. What I do not understand is how we are back to using the private vehicles again for unnecessary trips.
During the times when gas prices were soaring, we seldom used the car in running errands and short trips. Nowadays, we are once again utilizing the car in going to the grocery store which is but two blocks away, in going to the village basketball court which is but a short 5 minute walk from our house and doing myriad things using our cars that we dare not did when pump prices were sky high.
MEA CULPA. Last night, I realized that I was doing these things myself and this prompted my blog writing. I just had to write and decide to take positive action.
Starting again today, I resolve to walk more often, ride the LRT more frequently and minimize car usage. If this would not amount to something much, at least I have my contributed my little share in caring for the air we breathe.
Premium gasoline breached the P60.00 level and diesel fuel hovered near P58.00. With that, most people decided to limit usage of their private vehicles and instead opted to try the trains in commuting in Metro Manila. This augured well for the improvement of Metro Manila's Air Quality, what with lesser vehicles emitting toxic gases into the atmosphere.
The last two weeks saw the big decrease in the pump prices of all gasoline products. Today, crude oil prices went below US$90.00 per barrel. Us, people of the Philippines are back to our old ways. We are back to using our cars more often and abhorring using public transport again. Of course I understand how hard it was to use the light trains during the gas price crises months of August and September; I saw for myself how packed the trains were at all times of the day. What I do not understand is how we are back to using the private vehicles again for unnecessary trips.
During the times when gas prices were soaring, we seldom used the car in running errands and short trips. Nowadays, we are once again utilizing the car in going to the grocery store which is but two blocks away, in going to the village basketball court which is but a short 5 minute walk from our house and doing myriad things using our cars that we dare not did when pump prices were sky high.
MEA CULPA. Last night, I realized that I was doing these things myself and this prompted my blog writing. I just had to write and decide to take positive action.
Starting again today, I resolve to walk more often, ride the LRT more frequently and minimize car usage. If this would not amount to something much, at least I have my contributed my little share in caring for the air we breathe.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
GLOBAL WARMING AND HURRICANES
We saw this interesting article first posted at 07:36:00 09/03/2008 at Inquirer.net (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20080903-158383/Global-warming-fuels-hurricanes-say-scientists):
GLOBAL WARMING FUELS HURRICANES SAY SCIENTISTS
WASHINGTON—Global warming has probably made Hurricane Gustav a bit stronger and wetter, some top scientists said, but the specific connection between climate change and stronger hurricanes remains an issue of debate.
The Atlantic is seeing an increase in storms rated among the strongest. In the past four years, Hurricanes Gustav and Katrina, and six other storms have reached Category 4 or higher with sustained winds of at least 211 kilometers (131 miles) per hour, according to research at Georgia Tech.
Six scientists contacted by The Associated Press on Sunday said this would show some effect of global warming, but they differed on the size of the effect.
“We are just seeing a lot more Categories 4 and 5 globally than we have ever seen,” said Judith Curry, chair of Earth and atmospheric sciences at Georgia Tech. “The years 2004, 2005 and 2007 are quite high. We’re just seeing more and more.”
Measurements of the energy pumped into the air from the warm waters—essentially fuel for hurricanes—has increased dramatically since the mid-1990s, mostly in the strongest of hurricanes, according to a soon-to-be published paper in the journal Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems by Kevin Trenberth, climate analysis chief at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado.
But the same scientists also cautioned it was impossible to blame global warming for any single weather event and that some form of Gustav (and other hurricanes) would have likely still formed and turned deadly without man-made climate change.
Yet the fingerprint of global warming on the strongest storms is becoming clearer with new research, according to the scientists. And that includes Gustav, which reached Category 4 status on Saturday before weakening.
Associated Press
GLOBAL WARMING FUELS HURRICANES SAY SCIENTISTS
WASHINGTON—Global warming has probably made Hurricane Gustav a bit stronger and wetter, some top scientists said, but the specific connection between climate change and stronger hurricanes remains an issue of debate.
The Atlantic is seeing an increase in storms rated among the strongest. In the past four years, Hurricanes Gustav and Katrina, and six other storms have reached Category 4 or higher with sustained winds of at least 211 kilometers (131 miles) per hour, according to research at Georgia Tech.
Six scientists contacted by The Associated Press on Sunday said this would show some effect of global warming, but they differed on the size of the effect.
“We are just seeing a lot more Categories 4 and 5 globally than we have ever seen,” said Judith Curry, chair of Earth and atmospheric sciences at Georgia Tech. “The years 2004, 2005 and 2007 are quite high. We’re just seeing more and more.”
Measurements of the energy pumped into the air from the warm waters—essentially fuel for hurricanes—has increased dramatically since the mid-1990s, mostly in the strongest of hurricanes, according to a soon-to-be published paper in the journal Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems by Kevin Trenberth, climate analysis chief at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado.
But the same scientists also cautioned it was impossible to blame global warming for any single weather event and that some form of Gustav (and other hurricanes) would have likely still formed and turned deadly without man-made climate change.
Yet the fingerprint of global warming on the strongest storms is becoming clearer with new research, according to the scientists. And that includes Gustav, which reached Category 4 status on Saturday before weakening.
Associated Press
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Goodbye to a Friend
ROWELL SANDOVAL y MENDOZA (1957-2008)
Mabini, Batangas
Three term Sangguniang Bayan Member, three term Municipal Mayor, serving his first term as Vice Mayor when he was assassinated.
A leader, an environmentalist, a friend.
He said goodbye to this world last August 26,2008 when he was repeatedly shot while at his business office in Bauan, Batangas.
"Mayor Vice," as he was fondly called was a pioneer among LGU chiefs in Coastal Resources Management and was responsible for preserving the sustainability of the dive spots of the Barangays near Anilao, Mabini, Batangas.
While at the helm of the beautiful town, he was able to steer it to progress while maintaining the fragile beauty of the coastal villages facing Balayan Bay.
We are praying that his murder would be solved at the soonest possible time.
To you dear friend, goodbye.
Mabini, Batangas
Three term Sangguniang Bayan Member, three term Municipal Mayor, serving his first term as Vice Mayor when he was assassinated.
A leader, an environmentalist, a friend.
He said goodbye to this world last August 26,2008 when he was repeatedly shot while at his business office in Bauan, Batangas.
"Mayor Vice," as he was fondly called was a pioneer among LGU chiefs in Coastal Resources Management and was responsible for preserving the sustainability of the dive spots of the Barangays near Anilao, Mabini, Batangas.
While at the helm of the beautiful town, he was able to steer it to progress while maintaining the fragile beauty of the coastal villages facing Balayan Bay.
We are praying that his murder would be solved at the soonest possible time.
To you dear friend, goodbye.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Smog and the Beijing Olympics
The games of the 2008 Olympics are set to start in three days time, 8.8.08. The People's Republic of China spared nothing to ensure that the 29th staging of the Modern Olympics would be a success. Considering the US$2.1 Billion expense account for the improvement of the venues, much is really expected of the event.
Let me ponder though on one of the wrinkles in the otherwise cleanly pressed, satin smooth sports spectacle: the smog that usually envelopes Beijing. The polluted air has caused tremendous worries from athletes that would be competing in the Games.
Powerhouse teams like the United States and Germany delayed their trip to China and instead trained in Japan in order to minimize athlete's exposure to the unhealthy atmosphere. New Zealand issued face masks to their athletes as part of their training equipment. Australia went as far as allowing athletes concerned about the air quality the free choice to withdraw from participating. At least one blue chip athlete, Marathon world record holder Heile Gebrselassie from Ethipia decided not to participate in the event out of concern for his health.
In response to the worries, the Chinese government reportedly spent US$ 16 Billion in environmental programs in an attempt to reduce the pollution. It has taken drastic steps to improve air quality like shutting down hundreds of factories and coal-powered plants, implemented odd-even vehicle restrictions and imposed staggered work schedules. Also, some 22 million trees have been planted to help purify the air.
The problem though is that Beiling is an "Urban Heat Island," a metropolitan area that is considerably warmer than its surrounding rural areas. The heat bubble generated in the city traps the pollutants and it would take colder winds to drive these away. Scientists are not too optimistic about this as they are not expecting cool winds to come soon. Furthermore, even if Beijing has tried to radically reduce the air pollution, other cities in China have not done so.
It should be noted that half of the pollution in Beijing comes from other areas. What was done in Beijing should have been replicated in other areas. Tianying and Linfen, two Chinese cities that are both upwind from Beijing are listed among the top ten polluted Cities in the world. If efforts were exerted in easing the pollution that is generated from these two Ciies, the situation in Beijing could have been improved.
What lesson can we learn from this? Again, let me go back to one of the Seven Environmental Principles: "Everything is Connected to Everything Else." Whatever we do, the entire Mother Earth is affected. We cannot live in isolation for we are interdependent. We must do our share for nature and keep in mind that such should be done on a continuing basis. It is only by doing positive action can we avoid and prevent what Beijing is experiencing now.
Let me ponder though on one of the wrinkles in the otherwise cleanly pressed, satin smooth sports spectacle: the smog that usually envelopes Beijing. The polluted air has caused tremendous worries from athletes that would be competing in the Games.
Powerhouse teams like the United States and Germany delayed their trip to China and instead trained in Japan in order to minimize athlete's exposure to the unhealthy atmosphere. New Zealand issued face masks to their athletes as part of their training equipment. Australia went as far as allowing athletes concerned about the air quality the free choice to withdraw from participating. At least one blue chip athlete, Marathon world record holder Heile Gebrselassie from Ethipia decided not to participate in the event out of concern for his health.
In response to the worries, the Chinese government reportedly spent US$ 16 Billion in environmental programs in an attempt to reduce the pollution. It has taken drastic steps to improve air quality like shutting down hundreds of factories and coal-powered plants, implemented odd-even vehicle restrictions and imposed staggered work schedules. Also, some 22 million trees have been planted to help purify the air.
The problem though is that Beiling is an "Urban Heat Island," a metropolitan area that is considerably warmer than its surrounding rural areas. The heat bubble generated in the city traps the pollutants and it would take colder winds to drive these away. Scientists are not too optimistic about this as they are not expecting cool winds to come soon. Furthermore, even if Beijing has tried to radically reduce the air pollution, other cities in China have not done so.
It should be noted that half of the pollution in Beijing comes from other areas. What was done in Beijing should have been replicated in other areas. Tianying and Linfen, two Chinese cities that are both upwind from Beijing are listed among the top ten polluted Cities in the world. If efforts were exerted in easing the pollution that is generated from these two Ciies, the situation in Beijing could have been improved.
What lesson can we learn from this? Again, let me go back to one of the Seven Environmental Principles: "Everything is Connected to Everything Else." Whatever we do, the entire Mother Earth is affected. We cannot live in isolation for we are interdependent. We must do our share for nature and keep in mind that such should be done on a continuing basis. It is only by doing positive action can we avoid and prevent what Beijing is experiencing now.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
The SONA and Current Environment Issues
We watched the State of the Nation Address of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in order to find out what she had to say about the environment. Just so that I would be enlightened, I looked for a copy of the SONA and read the portion that dealt with her plans for this concern. Following is the transcript of the said portion:
“I ask business and civil society to continue to work for a socially equitable, economically viable balance of interests. Mining companies should ensure that host communities benefit substantively from their investments, and with no environmental damage from operations.
Our administration enacted the Solid Waste Management Act, Wildlife Act, Protection of Plant Varieties, Clean Water Act, Biofuels Act and various laws declaring protected areas.
For reforestation, for next year we have budgeted P2 billion. Not only do forests enhance the beauty of the land, they mitigate climate change, a key factor in increasing the frequency and intensity of typhoons and costing the country 0.5% of the GDP.
We have set up over 100 marine and fish sanctuaries since 2001. In the whaleshark sanctuary of Donsol, Sorsogon, Alan Amanse, 40-year-old college undergraduate and father of two, was earning P100 a day from fishing and driving a tricycle. Now as whaleshark-watching officer, he is earns P1,000 a day, ten times his former income.
For clean water, so important to health, there is P500 million this year and P1.5 billion for next year.
From just one sanitary landfill in 2001, we now have 21, with another 18 in the works.
We launched the Zero Basura Olympics to clear our communities of trash. Rather than more money, all that is needed is for each citizen to keep home and workplace clean, and for garbage officials to stop squabbling.”
How we wish that the President could have been more specific with her plans.
Where will the P2 billion for reforestation be allocated? Would the funds be given to Local Government Units since the implementation of community-based forestry projects have already been devolved from the National Government by virtue of the Local Government Code?
Likewise, P2 billion would be allocated for clean water in the next two years. Again, no specifics just the general statement that there was an allocation.
We noted two significant items though: one is on the Zero Basura Olympics and the other on squabbling garbage officials.
First, the Zero Basura Olympics. The recently launched DENR program is the first of its kind in the country and it aims to fast-track the implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. (Republic Act 9003 mandates the segregation of wastes by households with the primary responsibility to oversee its observance being placed in the Barangay.)
If only the law could be implemented right, we need not worry about looking for suitable sites for landfills since only residual waste need to be placed in them. All other wastes would either be reused, recycled or composted. The Zero Basura Olympics intend to encourage the immediate implementation of the law by giving incentives to LGUs and groups for undertaking meaningful projects.
Then she made mention of the squabbles among garbage officials. This too should be looked at what with the recent disagreement between Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay and MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando on where the City’s garbage could be dumped. This on the other hand stemmed from the on-going struggle over the Montalban landfill between Rizal Governor Casimiro Ynares III and Rodriguez Mayor Pedro Cuerpo.
It should be seen in the context that what she is referring to as garbage officials are actually local government officials. The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act places the primary responsibility for waste management on Barangay, Municipal and City officials. The President got it right when she said that government officials should stop squabbling on the issue of garbage. Indeed, the garbage situation would be resolved if only these officials, instead of competing, would learn to be creative and start cooperating.
My take on the Mining Act and if indeed it could be implemented without causing environmental damage in the coming blogs.
“I ask business and civil society to continue to work for a socially equitable, economically viable balance of interests. Mining companies should ensure that host communities benefit substantively from their investments, and with no environmental damage from operations.
Our administration enacted the Solid Waste Management Act, Wildlife Act, Protection of Plant Varieties, Clean Water Act, Biofuels Act and various laws declaring protected areas.
For reforestation, for next year we have budgeted P2 billion. Not only do forests enhance the beauty of the land, they mitigate climate change, a key factor in increasing the frequency and intensity of typhoons and costing the country 0.5% of the GDP.
We have set up over 100 marine and fish sanctuaries since 2001. In the whaleshark sanctuary of Donsol, Sorsogon, Alan Amanse, 40-year-old college undergraduate and father of two, was earning P100 a day from fishing and driving a tricycle. Now as whaleshark-watching officer, he is earns P1,000 a day, ten times his former income.
For clean water, so important to health, there is P500 million this year and P1.5 billion for next year.
From just one sanitary landfill in 2001, we now have 21, with another 18 in the works.
We launched the Zero Basura Olympics to clear our communities of trash. Rather than more money, all that is needed is for each citizen to keep home and workplace clean, and for garbage officials to stop squabbling.”
How we wish that the President could have been more specific with her plans.
Where will the P2 billion for reforestation be allocated? Would the funds be given to Local Government Units since the implementation of community-based forestry projects have already been devolved from the National Government by virtue of the Local Government Code?
Likewise, P2 billion would be allocated for clean water in the next two years. Again, no specifics just the general statement that there was an allocation.
We noted two significant items though: one is on the Zero Basura Olympics and the other on squabbling garbage officials.
First, the Zero Basura Olympics. The recently launched DENR program is the first of its kind in the country and it aims to fast-track the implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. (Republic Act 9003 mandates the segregation of wastes by households with the primary responsibility to oversee its observance being placed in the Barangay.)
If only the law could be implemented right, we need not worry about looking for suitable sites for landfills since only residual waste need to be placed in them. All other wastes would either be reused, recycled or composted. The Zero Basura Olympics intend to encourage the immediate implementation of the law by giving incentives to LGUs and groups for undertaking meaningful projects.
Then she made mention of the squabbles among garbage officials. This too should be looked at what with the recent disagreement between Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay and MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando on where the City’s garbage could be dumped. This on the other hand stemmed from the on-going struggle over the Montalban landfill between Rizal Governor Casimiro Ynares III and Rodriguez Mayor Pedro Cuerpo.
It should be seen in the context that what she is referring to as garbage officials are actually local government officials. The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act places the primary responsibility for waste management on Barangay, Municipal and City officials. The President got it right when she said that government officials should stop squabbling on the issue of garbage. Indeed, the garbage situation would be resolved if only these officials, instead of competing, would learn to be creative and start cooperating.
My take on the Mining Act and if indeed it could be implemented without causing environmental damage in the coming blogs.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Let's Not Wait For Another Disaster Before We Act on Endosulfan
We have kept our silence on the M/V Princess of the Stars incident since after the day it happened. I was certain that there would be a cacophony of voices that would want to be heard on the issue, and a blogger's thoughts would not make a difference in that scenario.
We tried to digest all information that we have heard, read and seen, hoping that somehow we would be able to make sense of these bewildering developments.
Today we decided to break our silence and focus on the insecticide that remains trapped in the upturned vessel. Allow me to get quite technical here.
Endosulfan is a neurotoxic organochlorine insecticide of the cyclodiene family of pesticides. It is an endocrine disruptor, and it is highly acutely toxic. It is banned in the European Union, Cambodia, and several other countries, while its use is restricted in other countries, including the Philippines. It is still used extensively in many countries including the US and India. It is made by Bayer CropScience, Makhteshim-Agan, and Hindustan Insecticides Limited among others, and sold under the tradenames Thionex, Thiodan, Phaser, and Benzoepin. Because of its high toxicity and high potential for bioaccumulation and environmental contamination, a global ban on the use and manufacture of endosulfan is being considered under the Stockholm Convention. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endosulfan)
Following are excerpts from the United Nations Environment Programme's(UNEP) Endosulfan Proposal, a paper submitted at the Third Meeting of Stockholm Convention On Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee held at Geneva, Switzerland from November 19 to November 23, 2007:
"Excessive and improper application and handling of endosulfan have been linked to congenital physical disorders, mental retardations and deaths in farm workers and villagers in developing countries in Africa, southern Asia and Latin America. Endosulfan was found among the most frequently reported intoxication incidents, adding unintentionally further evidence to its high toxicity for humans.
According to the available data, endosulfan is very persistent in the environment and is frequently found in environmental compartments. It has a great potential for bioaccumulation. Due to its physical and chemical properties and atmospheric half-life, and based on modelling data and findings in environmental samples, it has been proved that endosulfan is transported long distances, far from its sources. Endosulfan is a very toxic chemical for nearly all kind oforganisms. Endosulfan has the potential to cause some endocrine disruption in both terrestrial and aquatic species.
Endosulfan causes neurotoxicity and haematological effects and nephrotoxicity. Placing on the market and use of endosulfan has been prohibited in the European Union. However, it is still produced in some countries (Worldwide production estimated at 10,000 metric tonnes.) and it continues to be used in many countries. Given the inherent properties of endosulfan, together with demonstrated or potential environmental concentrations that exceed maximum permissible concentrations; and given the widespread occurrence of endosulfan, including in remote areas; it is concluded that endosulfan is likely, as a result of its long-range environmental transport, to lead to significant adverse human health and environmental effects, such that global action is warranted." (http://www.pops.int/documents/meetings/poprc_3/meetingdocs/poprc3_doc/05/poprc3_5e.pdf)
The pesticide was banned in the Philippines in 1993 but the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority allowed its restricted use in 1995 in order to prevent a disease that threatened the pineapple industry. The ban has not been reimposed on the pineapple growers since then despite the fact that the lifting of the ban was intended to last for only two years.
As we are sighing with disbelief,the main protagonists, Sulpicio Lines and Del Monte are engaging in an intramurals; the two sides are hurling allegations on who is to blame on why the dangerous shipment ended up in the passenger vessel. Sulpicio is claiming that Del Monte failed to declare that the cargo is highly toxic while Del Monte is claiming otherwise.
In the meantime, while they are debating and filing charges in Court, the salvage operations have been put on hold, the retrieval of bodies deferred and all fishing activities in the area stopped. Both living and dead have been affected by this disaster.
The official government stand is still forthcoming and the 10,000 kilograms of the dangerous chemical remains submerged off Romblon. Our Government cannot decide quickly on this very vital issue when what is needed is immediate and swift action.
Let us no wait for another disaster to happen as an offshoot of this disaster.
We tried to digest all information that we have heard, read and seen, hoping that somehow we would be able to make sense of these bewildering developments.
Today we decided to break our silence and focus on the insecticide that remains trapped in the upturned vessel. Allow me to get quite technical here.
Endosulfan is a neurotoxic organochlorine insecticide of the cyclodiene family of pesticides. It is an endocrine disruptor, and it is highly acutely toxic. It is banned in the European Union, Cambodia, and several other countries, while its use is restricted in other countries, including the Philippines. It is still used extensively in many countries including the US and India. It is made by Bayer CropScience, Makhteshim-Agan, and Hindustan Insecticides Limited among others, and sold under the tradenames Thionex, Thiodan, Phaser, and Benzoepin. Because of its high toxicity and high potential for bioaccumulation and environmental contamination, a global ban on the use and manufacture of endosulfan is being considered under the Stockholm Convention. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endosulfan)
Following are excerpts from the United Nations Environment Programme's(UNEP) Endosulfan Proposal, a paper submitted at the Third Meeting of Stockholm Convention On Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee held at Geneva, Switzerland from November 19 to November 23, 2007:
"Excessive and improper application and handling of endosulfan have been linked to congenital physical disorders, mental retardations and deaths in farm workers and villagers in developing countries in Africa, southern Asia and Latin America. Endosulfan was found among the most frequently reported intoxication incidents, adding unintentionally further evidence to its high toxicity for humans.
According to the available data, endosulfan is very persistent in the environment and is frequently found in environmental compartments. It has a great potential for bioaccumulation. Due to its physical and chemical properties and atmospheric half-life, and based on modelling data and findings in environmental samples, it has been proved that endosulfan is transported long distances, far from its sources. Endosulfan is a very toxic chemical for nearly all kind oforganisms. Endosulfan has the potential to cause some endocrine disruption in both terrestrial and aquatic species.
Endosulfan causes neurotoxicity and haematological effects and nephrotoxicity. Placing on the market and use of endosulfan has been prohibited in the European Union. However, it is still produced in some countries (Worldwide production estimated at 10,000 metric tonnes.) and it continues to be used in many countries. Given the inherent properties of endosulfan, together with demonstrated or potential environmental concentrations that exceed maximum permissible concentrations; and given the widespread occurrence of endosulfan, including in remote areas; it is concluded that endosulfan is likely, as a result of its long-range environmental transport, to lead to significant adverse human health and environmental effects, such that global action is warranted." (http://www.pops.int/documents/meetings/poprc_3/meetingdocs/poprc3_doc/05/poprc3_5e.pdf)
The pesticide was banned in the Philippines in 1993 but the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority allowed its restricted use in 1995 in order to prevent a disease that threatened the pineapple industry. The ban has not been reimposed on the pineapple growers since then despite the fact that the lifting of the ban was intended to last for only two years.
As we are sighing with disbelief,the main protagonists, Sulpicio Lines and Del Monte are engaging in an intramurals; the two sides are hurling allegations on who is to blame on why the dangerous shipment ended up in the passenger vessel. Sulpicio is claiming that Del Monte failed to declare that the cargo is highly toxic while Del Monte is claiming otherwise.
In the meantime, while they are debating and filing charges in Court, the salvage operations have been put on hold, the retrieval of bodies deferred and all fishing activities in the area stopped. Both living and dead have been affected by this disaster.
The official government stand is still forthcoming and the 10,000 kilograms of the dangerous chemical remains submerged off Romblon. Our Government cannot decide quickly on this very vital issue when what is needed is immediate and swift action.
Let us no wait for another disaster to happen as an offshoot of this disaster.
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