Coping with the Oil Spill Tragedy
The province of Guimaras had suffered due to the oil spill. In accordance to this the provincial government of Guimaras launched some programs to lessen the agony of the Guimarasnons. Two of this programs are the SAKAY ESKWELA program and the COASTAL CLEAN-UP.
Coastal Clean-Up
People from all walks of life – residents, members of nongovernment and government organizations, and those who care for the environment – worked together to clean the shores of GUIMARAS. The province launched the COASTAL CLEAN-UP activity to regain the lost beauty of the province. Everyone helped in whatever capacity they can. Students packed relief goods, fishermen cleaned the shores, there were those who provided empty sacks and even donated their hair for the sake of GUIMARAS.At first, the fishermen used their bare hands. Sometimes they use gloves, shovels and buckets. The situation changed when the foreigners came. They introduced the use of chemicals. Some residents refuse to use the chemicals. They preferred the unlikely alternative – hair, feathers and other indigenous materials found on the island. Even the prisoners agreed to donate their hair. The incident tested the UNITY of the Guimarasnons.
Sakay Eskwela Program
The provincial government later launched the SAKAY ESKWELA IS program to encourage high school students to pursue their studies. It was launched to help families who were affected by the tragedy. The program helps students by giving a one-way freeride to or from school. Students availed of the program and continued with their studies despite the hard times immediately after the oil spill.
THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF A SAKAY ESKWELA TICKET
