Rising respiratory illnesses in Isabela due to bioethanol plant?

CAGAYAN, Philippines – Local officials of Isabela province are blaming a bioethanol plant for the growing cases of respiratory illnesses in at least two villages in San Mariano town.

In their session on Tuesday, September 15, Provincial Board Member Rolando Tugade, chairman of the health committee, announced the board’s plan to conduct an ocular inspection of Green Future Innovations Incorporated (GFII), which has been producing renewable energy since 2012.

“We have the oversight power because it concerns the health of our constituents. Gusto naming makita ang ginagawa nilang control measures (We want to see what control measures they have been doing),” Tugade told reporters.

The provincial board invited representatives of the bioethanol plant but no one appeared during the session. Tugade said they will again invite representatives for the next session.

Isabela Governor Faustino told Rappler that provincial officials have scheduled a public hearing next week on the “hazards” brought by the plant.

The plant operators earlier explained that their electrostatic precipitator, which controls the release of the ashes, broke down.

Residents in the villages of Mallabo and Santa Filomena have complained several times to the municipal health office about ash particles coming from the plant, Municipal Health Officer Alvira Reyes said.

Reyes confirmed that residents have reported more cases of coughing,  cold, and asthma. She said irritants, such as dust and ash particles, can cause and worsen respiratory illnesses. – Rappler.com

Sick man coughing image via Shutterstock