December 28, 2000
The Honorable Senators
Philippine Senate
Manila, Philippines
Dear Sirs & Madams:
Sending garbage to Semirara Island as proposed by MMDA as the solution to Manila’s garbage problem is just like sending a toxic bomb to Antique, Aklan and the China Sea.
I am a Physician from New Jersey where I have been practtcing Pediatrics for 35 years. I am also one of the founders of the PANDAN ANTIQUE FOUNDATION, an organization of professionals from Pandan who are now living and working in different countries all over the world. Semirara Island is only a few kilometers from Pandan where we were born and raised.
As a Physician, my main concern is the health of the people of Antique and the neighboring Aklan who will be exposed to toxic wastes that will seep out from Semirara and the possible spillage from the barges that will deliver the garbage from Manila.
Two years ago the tourism business of Boracay went down when there were rumors of E.Coli contamination of the sea. If garbage is transported to Semirara, Boracay and Antique will not only worry over E.Coli but also Salmonella, Shigella, Hepatitis A & B, Streptococcus, Staphyloccus, Pneumococcus, Ascaris, Giardia, Pinworms, Diphthteria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hemophilus Influenza and other deadly bacteria and parasites which will fill up this page if I mention all of them. Other toxic substances to worry about are Lead, Copper, Mercury and other metals which not only cause, irritation of the skin, eyes and nose, but also anemia, convulsions, mental retardation and cancer.
The presence of these bacterias and toxic substances in the sea water will cause death of fish, seashells, sea weeds and all the marine life in the ocean. If they survive, all of them will become poisonous and cause diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration abdominal cramps, anemia,and all kinds of diseases.
In the public rally on Dec. 15, and Dec. 22, 2000, the Antiquenos demonstrated their opposition to the dumpsite. Despite their written and videotaped petition against it, Mr. Binay and Aventajado of MMDA, persist on telling the people of Metro Manila that their garbage problem is coming to an end and that Antique is willing to accept the garbage with the blessing of the Governor.
The PANDAN ANTIQUE FOUNDATION, PAGTATAP USA AND KASIMANWA USA have already sent their written petition to oppose the dumping.
I am therefore requesting you to please help my people oppose the garbage dumping in Semirara Island.
Very truly yours,
(SGD.) LOURDES A. BURGOS, M.D.
New Jersey, USA
