When news broke about an oil spill caused by an explosion in Power Barge 102 moored near Bo. Obrero nearly two weeks ago, some memories of the Guimaras Oil Spill in 2006 flashed into my mind. Still considered the worst oil spill disaster in the country, the Guimaras Oil Spill – caused by the sinking of an oil tanker due to bad weather — spewed about 2 million liters into the sea and the shorelines of Guimaras, Panay, and Negros island. Overall, the Guimaras oil spill affected 20 communities in the 4 municipalities in Guimaras. It also threatened 27 communities in Iloilo province and 17 others in Negros Occidental. But Guimaras was worse-off. The oil that contaminated the waters and the Guimaras shoreline was not only devastating for its environment but also for its people and economy. Guimaras lost billions of pesos and it took years before it can begin to recover.

Celebria, L. S. (2020, July 16). Power barge oil spill: A classy response. Daily Guardian, p. 5.