Petron committed to long-term rehab of Guimaras

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200609049907.htm

The Philippine Star 09/04/2006

Petron officials said they are committed to the long-term rehabilitation and restoration of all oil spill-affected areas.

"We will be there for a long as we are needed," Nicasio Alcantara, Petron chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

According to Petron, its long-term plans spanning from three to five years are already being carried out "to ensure the rehabilitation not only of the coastline, but the livelihood of 2,900 fishermen who were affected in Guimaras and neighboring areas."

To hasten the cleanup along the coast, Petron said the daily pay under its cash-for-work scheme has been raised from P200 to P300.

Since this plan only offers a temporary and partial solution to the oil spill, the Petron Foundation is spearheading numerous projects to restore Guimaras Island to its original state in close coordination with the provincial government.

"We have the resources that will help us plan for the rehabilitation," said Malu Erni, executive director of Petron Foundation.

"Of course, we will be in close coordination with the provincial government because they have line agencies which are thinking of rehabilitation programs," Erni added.

According to Petron, it has also entered into an agreement with Silliman University to conduct a rapid assessment of the Guimaras environment and its surroundings.

The undertaking involves 40 scientists working round-the-clock to inspect, evaluate and extract vital information on the ecosystem and the botanical and zoological species affected.

Petron said it also continues to provide assistance to the UP Visayas Marine Reserve by providing it with drums for the storage of debris collected on Taklong Island.

Materials were also provided for the cleanup scheduled by UP Visayas students and ROTC cadets. The logistical expenses were also taken care of.

To ensure proper cleanup, Petron has requested Dr. Rex Sadaba, a marine biologist and mangrove expert, to provide guidelines to make sure that other valuable ecosystems, such as mangroves, are not harmed any further.

Petron said it also continues to receive pledges of support and logistical assistance from members of the League of Corporate Foundations, of which it is an active member.

With all these initiatives, Petron is still thinking beyond the relief efforts already underway in the towns of Sibunag, San Lorenzo, and Nueva Valencia, all in Guimaras, and Ajuy and Concepcion, both in Iloilo.

"We are already talking to resource groups to map out a master plan. It will be a multisectoral approach to rehabilitation, and this will include a livelihood program as well. Our plan is that we will be here until we have restored Guimaras and that means going beyond relief. Rehabilitation is part of our program," Erni said.

Alcantara has expressed deep regret over the incident, saying that Petron would "take responsibility in addressing the containment and recovery of the oil spill both on land and sea, and more importantly, map out the long-term rehabilitation of the island of Guimaras."