Friday 25 February 2011

Michigan Scores With the Hiring of Brady Hoke

By Sam Obitz 
Fans and many administrators are often enamored with big name coaches and 5-star recruits. But what's most important is how the coach or player fits into their program.

Michigan Scores With the Hiring of Brady Hoke


A couple of months ago I was hired by a major university to vet several candidates for their soon to be open head football coaching position. I went through the normal channels, talking with a number of players, coaches and others who had worked or played with them and against them. It didn't take long for a few of the candidates to emerge from the rest of the field. Perhaps surprisingly to some of those reading this, the bigger names on the list all came out below several of the lesser known candidates. Not surprisingly, two of the coaches who came out at the top of my evaluation are now the head coaches at the University of Michigan and the University of Miami respectively.
When it came time to report to my client on what I had found, three names stood above the rest in my humble opinion. Two of the three only had one negative, which was that they were each said to aspire to eventually coach at a particular institution. This made them less attractive to me as the university I was working with did not want to risk getting stuck on the coaching carousel. This also made me realize that the other top candidate and number four and five on my list were better fits for their program.
Brady Hoke was at the top of my list and the only drawback I uncovered on him was that he longed to someday be the coach at the University of Michigan. Obviously that negative does not come into play when the University of Michigan is doing the hiring. Coaches and players lit up when I asked them about Hoke and I was repeatedly told how much people like to work with him and play for him. I also heard again and again that he is a fundamentals guy and hires well - this may be the most underrated facet of being a head coach and has led to downfall of plenty of otherwise good coaches. The one thing I kept hearing about him that will delight the fans of Michigan, was how good he is at instilling toughness in his players and teams.
Fans and many administrators are often enamored with big name coaches and 5-star recruits. But what's most important is how the coach or player fits into their program. Rich Rodriguez was a big name coach but was never really a good fit at Michigan. We all know how that worked out for him and for Michigan. Bobby Knight is a good basketball coach and was a great fit at Indiana University, but I'm relatively certain he would have been a disaster at a program like Cal-Berkeley or UCLA.
Some coaches simply fit better at some places than others. Many schools and teams make the mistake of trying to hire the best coach available, rather than the best coach for them. Jim Harbaugh would have been a great hire for Michigan, but realistically how long would he have stayed there before bolting to the NFL? As much as I respect Jim Harbaugh as a coach, all things considered, I think Brady Hoke is the right man at the right time and ultimately a better choice for Michigan. In a few years I would not be surprised if most Michigan fans agree with me.
POSTED IN THE MIND SIDE BLOG
Sam Obitz is a leader in the use and development of mental skills that help you achieve peak performance. Visit The Mind Side Blog at http://supertao.com/category/the-mind-side-blog/

Travel the Philippines - Go Gaga in Guimaras


Looking for an idyllic setting for your next vacation in the Philippines? Pack your bags and head to the beautiful island province of Guimaras. Located in the Western Visayas region, Guimaras is highly touted for its unspoiled beaches that are considered one of the world's finest. It has a wide array of resorts and accommodations that cater to the needs of both local and foreign tourists.
Like other provinces in the country, Guimaras also has its fine share of tourist attractions. Since the province is blessed with vast agricultural lands, the local government has been stepping up efforts to promote Guimaras as a premier agritourism site in the Philippines. Orchards, bee farms, and aqua culture ponds have been added to list of must-see attractions in the island.
Guimaras made headlines in 2006 when an oil tanker carrying more than two liters of bunker fuel sank off the coast of the province and spilled over 500,000 liters of oil. It was considered the worst oil spill in Philippine history. However, with the efforts of the national and local government, as well as the private sector and international donors, Guimaras is on its feet again. Tourist arrivals have picked up in the aftermath of the oil spill.
The following are some of the reasons why you need to visit Guimaras.
Guisi Beach and Lighthouse
Atop the list of tourist attractions in Guimaras is the Guisi Beach. Its azure waters are a perfect escape from the hassles of the city life. Guisi Beach is famous for its short coastline and awesome rock formations. To get a breathtaking view of the beach, you must visit an 18th-century lighthouse that once guided sailors passing through the island.
Guimaras Adventure Park
Guimaras also offers something enticing for the adventure-seekers. Located in the capital city, Jordan, the Guimaras Adventure Park has a wide range of amenities for paintball, war games, rappelling, target shooting, and horseback riding. The compound is also ideal for team building, camping, and other corporate functions, and family gatherings.
Trappist Monastery
A tour of the Trappist Monastery in Jordon is also a must while in Guimaras. It offers a quiet place to rekindle your spiritual life. Processed food, including jellies, jams, and candies, made by Trappist monks are available at a souvenir shop in the monastery. There are also guest houses that are available for rent at affordable rates.
Turtle Feeding Station
Get up close and personal with the pawikans with a visit to the Turtle Feeding Station in Barangay Lawi, Jordan. A floating cage, wherein visitors can take pictures and touch sea turtles, is the main attraction at the center. The station was established to raise awareness on wildlife protection and turtle preservation in Guimaras.
Guimaras Mangoes
You cannot miss out on Guimaras' famous fruit crop, mango, while taking a vacation in this island paradise. Its mangoes are said to be sweetest in the world. They are already being exported to foreign markets such as the United States and Australia. Mangoes are also the center of the annual Manggahan Festival, which seeks to promote the fruit industry.
Local Philippines is your travel buddy. We have information about the destinations, how to get there, what to do while in the area and more! Destinations in the beaches or in the mountains, destinations under water, destinations right at the middle of the urban hub, name it and Local Philippines will most likely feature it.
Allan Leandro Merin has been writing for a living since 2008. After leaving a career at a daily electronic newspaper, he joined a web development outsourcing company and linked up with Local Philippines, the most comprehensive online directory of Philippine destinations, events, and attractions.
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Allan Merin - EzineArticles Expert Author

Environmentalists mark Guimaras Oil Spill


By Nora O. Gamolo

Environmentalists and fisherfolk groups picketed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to commemorate the four-year anniversary of the Petron Guimaras Oil Spill.
“Four years have passed since Petron and Sunshine Maritime Development Corporation (SMDC) spilled more than two million liters of oil in the Guimaras Sea, yet until now justice has not been served. Just compensation has been denied and environmental rehabilitation remains unfinished,” said Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of the Kalikasan People's Network for the Environment (Kalikasan-PNE).
The MT Solar 1, with a 998 gross tonnage. sank 21 kilometers south off of Guimaras on August 11, 2006. It was carrying 2,193,000 liters of bunker oil. The locally-registered vessel is owned by SMDC, and was chartered by Petron Corporation.
According to the government’s National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), the spill damaged about 234 kilometers of coastline, 1,143 hectares of marine reserves, 478 hectares of mangroves, and 16 square kilometers of coral reefs.
It also wrought havoc on the people’s health and livelihood. Just four days after the spill, nearly 14% of the approximately 150,000 people of Guimaras were affected, and 4,000 fisherfolk households lost their livelihood.
"Despite the massive environmental destruction, no one was held accountable. Many years have passed, but Petron, SMDC, and responsible government officials culpable for the disaster were left off the hook," said Bautista.
"What is worse is that Petron, the owner of the millions liters of bunker-fuel spilled, was classified as the victim and was granted more than P100 million for damages by the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund (IOPCF), while IOPCF refused to compensate 125,480 residents, mostly fisherfolks, of Guimaras who were affected by the oil spill,” Bautista explained.
Based on the 2008 International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund (IOPCF) Report, a total of P947,434,684 was paid to private corporations, including Petron and foreign corporations, and to 23,617 individuals involved in the oil spill “clean-up” operation.
The bulk of the payment was for clean-up operation totalling 751,069,099 pesos which was given to only nine entities, said Clemente.
“After one of the biggest oil spills in Philippine history, the government still has not learned its lesson. There are still no adequate laws and policies to protect our marine ecosystem and hold liable the culprits of toxic pollution and contamination like oil spills,” said Giovanni Tapang, a physicist, and chairman of the AGHAM- Science and Technology for the People.
According to the group, oil spills and maritime disasters continue to proliferate.
Several oil spill accidents have occurred recently. One started near Bacolod City, Negros Occidental on July 3. Another happened off the coast of Calatagan town, Batangas City, and was discovered on July 4.
Two oil spills occurred off the town of Rosario in Cavite and Mariveles, Bataan at the height of typhoon 'Basyang'.
A fuel leak happened in La Union province on July 21. The latest incident is the sinking of cargo vessel SF Freighter in the coast of Marinduque on August 7.
"Five oil spills and ship sinking in over a month is an indication of lax monitoring, regulation and accountability both of the erring corporations and of the government," said Tapang
"The Philippine Coast Guard and DENR should ensure that oil spills and similar 'accidents' are prevented. If they do happen, these agencies should also lead in addressing the problem immediately and penalize the polluters and see to it that these 'accidents' do not happen again," explained Tapang.
However, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and DENR have clearly failed to do their mandate, the physicist riled.
The group also noted that there are no clear laws or ordinances that state the penalties and standards in situations where oil spills are highly likely.
The Bacolod incident originated from Chevron. The oil spill in Cavite came from Petron's pipe line, while that in Batangas came from still unidentified foreign vessels. The incident in Bataan came from leaking motor boats, and the gasoline leak in La Union was traced to Flying V's fuel depot.
"Though reports say that these leaks were not massive, and all were 'responded to quickly', it is difficult to quantify the effect these have on the marine environment and nearby fishing communities. That government agencies and companies dismissed these incidents as minor show a lack of regard to the effects they have on our seas and people," said Tapang.
After the incidents, the groups claimed there was no report of any company being sanctioned or asked to pay for reparations and compensation.
They call on the DENR, PCG and local government units to probe these incidents and put up a sound and effective system to prevent these cases from happening again.
"We cannot expect much from private companies to look after the environment and be accountable for their facilities and operations if our own government is not doing their job in monitoring these companies and enforcing strict standards." said Bautista.
"If these agencies do not do their jobs and will not punish these companies, then President Aquino should demonstrate a precedent so these disasters will have fewer chances of happening," he ended.

Destruction of Marine Resources in the Philippines


The Philippines is blessed with rich marine resources characterized by tremendous coral reefs and abundance of various species. It is one of the countries with longest coastlines in the world. It is just saddening that the country's marine resources are now gradually depleting due to various harmful activities.
The continuous destruction of marine resources in the Philippines not only created damages to the natural environment but also affected the livelihood of communities in affected areas. Various activities are behind this environmental dilemma and below are some of these activities;
1. Offshore mining in Tanon Strait, a protected seascape that separates Cebu and Negros. The Philippine government through Department of Energy allowed oil and gas exploration in that area from year 2005-2008. For this reason the numbers of fish catch were greatly decreased from 10-15 kilos a day to 1-3 kilos a day.
2. P18.7 billion Laguna Lake Dredging Project funded by the Belgian government.
This project is the dredging of about 94,000 hectare lake and the retrieval of not less than 20,000 hectares of coastal areas used for other infrastructure projects. In accordance of this project was the displacement of no less than 50, 000 families who mainly depend on the lake resources for their livelihood.
3. Aurora economic zone project (APECO). This is a 13,000 hectares project in Aurora province which will cause displacement of farming and fishing communities.
4. Conversion of coastal municipalities of Nasugbu, Calatagan, Calaca, Lemery, Lian and Tuy into eco-tourism ares. These municipalities are in first district of Batangas province. This project would replace 20, 000 hectares of fishing and farming areas.
5. Guimaras oil spill. This environmental disaster is still unresolved and it continues to create various ecological problems in nearby islands of Negros and Panay. This concern has already caused economic and social loss to more than 100,000 fishing families in the affected areas.
The Philippine government must do something about the above mentioned activities happening to most of our coastal areas. In is better to take the initiatives now for the preservation of these marine resources while there are still left to country's marine wildlife.
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D. Perez - EzineArticles Expert Author

First RP-made, double-hulled oil tanker sails


By LILITA BALANE
abs-cbnNEWS.com
June 16, 2008

The first Philippine-made, double-hulled oil tanker, designed to prevent costly and environmentally-destructive oil spills such as the disaster that hit Guimaras in 2006, is now sailing.
“The ship is currently transporting bunker fuels in different parts of the country. From the Pacific Ocean to the Petron refinery in Bataan. It started last April 8. So far, the performance of M/T Matikas is far more than we expected.” George Cottrell, president of the Herma Shipyard Inc., said Monday.
Hermio Esguerra, chairman of the Herma Group of Companies, told reporters double-hulled ships such as M/T Matikas would help lower the incidence of oil spills.
Esguerra said that the ship that sank in Guimaras was a single-hulled oil tanker. With a double-hull, petroleum products are protected on all sides, he added.
(Click here for the rest of the story.)
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This is not a blog on NELFI

June 6, 2008
So to those with problems with the organization, kindly contact the Securities and Exchange Commission. If your relatives are missing, call the local police. I will not publish any comments on NELFI.
Thank you for your understanding.
Site administrator
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Guimaras grabs tourism alternative

May 17, 2008
By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
05/17/2008

NUEVA VALENCIA, Guimaras – Frankie Aracan leads a pack of journalists through the rocky, winding trail on mountain bikes. He regularly checks if anyone is left behind or is having difficulty catching up.
A few hours later, Aracan gives pointers as they rappel down a 95-foot cliff overlooking the pristine beaches of Guimaras Island.
Aracan is not an expert mountain biker or rappeller although he has undergone training as a guide for adventure sports. On most days, he is on a tricycle ferrying passengers from the town proper of Nueva Valencia to the villages.
But like other residents of Sitio Guisi in Barangay Dolores, he is getting much needed extra income from a heritage tourist site recently launched by the Department of Tourism. He earns P250 to P350 for a day’s work as a tour guide of the community-based Guisi Discovery Quest – bigger than the average P150 he gets from his regular job.
(For the rest, click Guimaras grabs.)

Black substance in Carles waters creates panic


By Ruby P. Silubrico
Sun Star Iloilo
June 25, 2008

PANIC struck some locals of Carles, Iloilo after they saw a black substance scattered in the shores of their municipality.
They believed the said substance might be oil spill from a coal-carrying ship that capsized Saturday last week as Typhoon Frank hit the province of Iloilo.
The local government unit of Carles and the Bantay Dagat personnel immediately went to the area to verify the information. It was proven that the said substance was oil from the ship identified as M/V Lake Paoay from Semirara Island.
The ship capsized about 4 a.m. Saturday.
Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas Raul Banias Monday confirmed the ship spilled about 50,000 liters of oil when it capsized Saturday. He added that it could not damage the waters of Carles and it’s far from the Guimaras oil spill case.
Banias said the Semirara Mining Corp. chartered the M/V Lake Paoay. It was bound for Toledo, Cebu but upon arriving at the seawaters of Carles, strong winds and heavy waves hit the ship until it capsized.
“The oil in the water could not damage the seashore and there is no need to panic,” Banias said over a radio interview.
Banias said the vessel had 24 crews and other persons who also boarded the ship.
According to reports, seven of those in the ship were confirmed dead, while only 4 survived and 26 are still missing.
Banias said they now are monitoring the waters of Carles and will conduct a clearing operation.
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Mining firms want to explore Guimaras

June 24, 2008
By Maricar M. Calubiran
The News Today
June 20, 2008

Four mining companies have applied for exploration works in the the island province of Guimaras. The exploration applications cover 37,000 hectares or more than half of the island’s total land area which is 600,400 hectares.
The four mining firms are Fil Asian Strategic Resources and Properties Corporation, Dorilag Cement Corporation, Next Generation and Global Philippines. Of the four applicants, Fil Asian and Dorilag were given exploration permits by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Of the 98 barangays in the island, 84 barangays have been applied for exploration works to determine the presence of iron, copper, gold, limestones and other mineral deposits available in the island.
(Read the rest at Mining in Guimaras.)
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Guimaras chief hopes to receive additional oil spill fund

June 24, 2008
By Maricar M. Calubiran
The News Today
June 20, 2008

Guimaras Gov. Felipe Nava said they are hoping to receive additional oil spill funds from the national government. He said, of the P800 million oil spill rehabilitation fund, only P100 million was released to the province.
Nava said a team from the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) in Manila arrived in the province last week and assessed the damage brought about by the oil spill.
As far as the governor is concerned, the releases that the national government had made was the P50 million for infrastructure, P25 million for the Department of Social Welfare and Development, P2.4 for the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and more than P4 million for the Department of Health (DOH).
However, Nava is banking on the funds released to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for its cash for work program. The department has still in hand some P100 million for the cash for work program intended for the affected areas.
In one of his visits in Iloilo City, Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya said the national government would only release funds on a case-to-case basis.
Andaya said they are not in a hurry to release any fund without any purpose. The fund should be spent only for rehabilitation purposes and not for anything else. There are proposals from different national government agencies that were disapproved because of its non-relevance.
He stressed out that the fund should not be spent for projects such as road construction which is not in any way related to the rehabilitation of the island as an aftermath of the August 11, 2006 oil spill. The project proponent should give exact and convincing reasons why they should be given funds.
One of those projects that were disapproved by the government is the “food for work” of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office. There is no need for the government to give allocation to the “food for work” program since the affected residents already returned to their normal lives.

Exxon Valdez $2.5B oil spill ruling overturned


By James Vicini
June 25, 2008

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday threw out the record $2.5 billion in punitive damages that Exxon Mobil Corp had been ordered to pay for the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill off Alaska, the nation’s worst tanker spill.
By a 5-3 vote, the high court ruled that the punitive damages award should be slashed to a maximum amount equal to the total relevant compensatory damages of $507.5 million.
The justices overturned a ruling by a U.S. Court of Appeals that had awarded the record punitive damages to about 32,000 commercial fishermen, Alaska natives, property owners and others harmed by the spill.
In the majority opinion, Justice David Souter concluded the $2.5 billion in punitive damages was excessive under federal maritime law, and should be cut to the amount of actual harm.
Soaring oil prices have propelled Exxon Mobil to previously unforeseen levels of profitability in recent years; the company posted earnings of $40.6 billion in 2007.
It took Exxon Mobil just under two days to bring in $2.5 billion in revenue during the first quarter of 2007.
(Click here for the rest.)
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250K liters of oil threaten to spill out of sunken ship

June 26, 2008
By Jojo Robles
Mla. Standard Today
June 25, 2008

AN OIL spill from the Sulpicio Lines ferry that capsized June 21 with more than 800 people on board could destroy coastal areas and aquatic life aroundSibuyan and nearby islands and take years to clean up.
The m/v Princess of the Stars was carrying 250,000 liters of bunker fuel in its hold when it capsized near Sibuyan Island in Romblon at the height oftyphoon Frank early Saturday, sources close to the investigation of the sinking of the ferry told Standard Today.
A team of investigators who flew over to inspect the overturned hull at close range said small quantities of the fuel had already leaked out of the disabled vessel, indicating that most of the toxic cargo was intact.
“There is evidence that some of the fuel is leaking around the vessel,” a source told Standard Today.
“But if the ship breaks up on its own or is forced open by rescuers looking for survivors, the oil could leak, damaging the environment and destroying the livelihood of fisherfolk in the area for years to come.”
Earlier, rescuers announced that they were planning to force open the hull of the Princess in an effort to find survivors. As of yesterday, only about 48 of 849 passengers and crew on the ship had survived, authorities said.
Divers retrieved only bodies from the capsized vessel yesterday and theCoast Guard said more were likely to be brought in over the next hours.
“Most of the bodies were floating inside. They were trapped when the seven-story ship suddenly tilted and capsized,” Navy spokesman Edgard Arevalosaid in a radio interview.
In August 2006, the m/t Solar 1 sank in waters near Guimaras Island off Iloilo, carrying down with it 1.8 million liters of bunker fuel and triggering the country’s worst oil spill.
The Solar 1 carried more fuel than the Princess, but the tanker’s dangerous cargo sank at least 700 meters in the water and several kilometers off the coast of the nearest island, minimizing its effects on the environment, the same source said.
(Click here for the rest.)

DENR scored for diverting funds for Guimaras


By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Visayas Bureau, PDI
08/12/2008

JORDAN, GUIMARAS – Guimaras officials have scored the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for implementing oil spill rehabilitation projects in areas not affected by the oil spill.
Guimaras Gov. Felipe Nava said the DENR had implemented livelihood projects using rehabilitation funds even in communities that were hardly affected by the Aug. 11, 2006 oil spill.
“I’m not contented with what’s happening. We are in the dark and we don’t know if these are beneficial to the people of Guimaras. I think we should correct this (because) we are wasting precious money,” Nava said during a presentation of updates on the rehabilitation programs marking the second anniversary of the oil spill held on Monday. (Click here for the rest.)
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OIL SPILL DAMAGE

August 11, 2008
Guimaras recovering but non-release of funds stalls rehab
By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Visayas Bureau, PDI
08/11/2008

GUIMARAS ISLAND—Two years after a massive oil spill hit this island-province, officials and experts said the island is showing recovery and coping from the impact of the calamity.
But rehabilitation efforts have been stalled by the non-release of around P150 million intended for development programs.
“Our activities are back to normal,” Guimaras Gov. Felipe Nava told the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net).
He said residents in all areas affected by the oil spill have gone back to fishing. (Click here for the rest.)
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DENR units near sea mishap site told to prepare vs possible oil spill

June 26, 2008
GMANews TV
06/26/2008 | 04:43 PM
MANILA, Philippines – Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) personnel were instructed Thursday to keep an eye for any possible oil spill from the capsized MV Princess of the Stars passenger ferry off Romblon.
In a statement posted on the DENR website, DENR Sec. Jose Atienza Jrdirected DENR personnel, particularly those “in and around Romblon,” to prepare to respond to such a scenario.
“You must be vigilant and ready to get into action at the first sign of an oil spill. We cannot afford additional environmental damages at this time when the world is racing against time to heal the earth from various environmental damages, among which is global warming,” Atienza said.
(Click here for the rest.)

DENR to consider opposition to mining


BY NESTOR P. BURGOS JR.
Visayan Daily Star 08/19/08
JORDAN, Guimaras – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources yesterday said it will consider the opposition of officials and residents of Guimaras in evaluating applications for mining exploration on the island.
DENR Regional Executive Director, Lormelyn Claudio, said the strong stance of Guimaras officials will be a factor in the approval or disapproval of at least four applications for mining activities on the 60,000-hectare island.
“If the local government is against it, we have to consider that,” Claudio said in a press conference here at the launching of the Guimaras Integrated Coastal Management Program. (Click here for the rest.)
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TWO YEARS AFTER OIL SPILL

August 13, 2008
P17M in projects up for Guimaras towns
Visayan Daily Star, 8/13/2008

The Department of Agriculture is implementing P17.8-million worth of livelihood projects for 3,800 residents of Guimaras affected by the oil spill two years ago.
Guimaras Provincial Agriculturist Ronnie Morante said three projects were identified, among them vegetable production, which has 2,400 beneficiaries.
Projects on swine fattening and goat production have 700 recipients, respectively. (Click here for the rest.)
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Guimaras launches drive against mining activities

August 13, 2008
JORDAN, Guimaras – Stickers and streamers emblazoned with “Spare Guimaras” have appeared in this province marking the start of a campaign against mining activities in the island.
Guimaras Gov. Felipe Nava said they will launch the campaign against approved and pending applications for mining in the province because of its environmental and health effects.
The applications cover from 70 to 80 percent of the 60,000-hectare island with applications covering from 2,000 to 30,000 hectares, according to the governor.
“This will destroy the island,” Nava said here yesterday at the sidelines of the briefing on rehabilitation efforts on areas affected by the August 2006 oil spill.
Guimaras is known for its pristine beaches, export quality mangoes and richness in natural resources. (Click here for the rest.)

High levels of lead found in Guimaras villages


By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Inquirer Visayas Bureau
08/28/2008

ILOILO CITY – Health officials in Guimaras found dangerously high levels of the deadly heavy metal lead in water samples taken from five villages in two towns in the province.
Dr. Felicito Lozarita, provincial health officer, said results of tests held April 16 showed that lead content in water sources in five villages in Nueva Valencia and Sibunag towns were above .01 mg per liter, the level of lead considered safe.
Lozarita said four villages in Nueva Valencia and one in Sibunag registered higher than normal levels. (Click here for the rest.)
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DENR assures thorough study of mining applications in Guimaras

August 27, 2008
The News Today
Aug. 27, 2008

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has committed to make a thorough review of all mining applications in the island province of Guimaras.
“All pending applications will be under serious study,” said DENR Secretary Jose “Lito” Atienza during a recent visit here.
Guimaras Gov. Felipe Nava said the communities oppose the move on large-scale mining explorations.
The Guimaras provincial government even initiated a massive awareness campaign by posting several “Spare Guimaras” streamers to urge the agency’s Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to deny applications for massive mining activities. (Click here for the rest.)
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Guimaras drinking water monitored

August 19, 2008
BY NESTOR P. BURGOS JR.
Visayan Daily Star 08/19/08

GUIMARAS ISLAND – Health officials here are monitoring the quality of drinking water from wells and other sources after samplings showed above normal levels of lead in five villages on the island.
Provincial health officer Dr. Felicito Lozarita said results of water samplings conducted in April 16 this year showed that lead content in water sources in five barangays in Nueva Valencia and Sibunag towns were above the standard of .01 mg per liter.
Lozarita said in an interview that four villages in Nueva Valencia and one in Sibunag registered higher than normal levels.
These are barangays Algeria in Sibunag (.05 mg/l) and San Antonio (.82 mg/l), Igdarapdap (.011 mg/l), Cabalagnan (.013 mg/l) and Panubulon (.022 mg/l) in Nueva Valencia. (Click here for the rest.)

Legislators back Guimaras vs mining


By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
10/26/2008

ILOILO CITY, Philippines—Five congressmen have urged the House of Representatives to support the stand of officials and residents of Guimaras against mining operations on the island-province.
House Resolution 841, filed on Oct. 10, calls on the chamber to support the opposition of Guimarasnons against the entry and operations of mining companies.
The resolution was sponsored by Guimaras Rep. JC Rahman Nava, Bayan Muna Representatives Satur Ocampo and Teodoro Casiño, Gabriela Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan and Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano.
In the resolution, the congressmen described the island as rich in natural resources and one of the pristine popular tourist destinations in the country.(Click here for the rest.)
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Drive launched vs mining in Guimaras

September 27, 2008
By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Inquirer Visayas Bureau
09/27/2008

ILOILO CITY — GUIMARAS RESIDENTS AND OFFICIALS have launched a signature campaign against applications for large-scale mining on the island-province.
Led by Church groups and officials, the campaign coupled with an education drive in villages seeks to pressure government agencies to disapprove mining operations on the island that still has to recover from the massive oil spill two years ago.
Guimaras Gov. Felipe Nava said they would continue their campaign against mining applications even though the Department of Environment and Natural Resources had already said it would consider the stand and sentiments of the residents when they evaluate the mining applications. (Click here for the rest.)