'Motorcycle Diaries ni Jay Taruc', (GMA-7, Thursdays, 10 pm) featured a TV-documentary last Thursday, Nov 17 on some Marinduque places affected by the Marcopper mines - closed down since 1996.
In particular the feature explores quite thoroughly, and evidently with great care and effort, a blue river and waterfall (called Hinulugang Amerikano), in Brgy. Puting Buhangin and another similar blue river in Brgy. Hinapulan. Spectacular shots of the earthen dams and the rivers are shown, and interviews conducted by the host with local residents of said places. In Hinapulan, mothers and school kids, who have no choice but to cross the affected river in going to school, share problems they encounter.
Other interviews made with the local environmental advocacy group, MACEC Marinduque (Ms. Beth Mangol), local scientists, the Boac MPDO (Luna Manrique), and no less than DENR Secretary Gina Lopez.
Other interviews made with the local environmental advocacy group, MACEC Marinduque (Ms. Beth Mangol), local scientists, the Boac MPDO (Luna Manrique), and no less than DENR Secretary Gina Lopez.
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| Lush vegetation covers the waterfall and the acidic cloudy blue waters in Puting Buhangin-Bol River. Photo: RV. Nardo |
In August this year, I posted a series of articles about these blue rivers. This was based on information posted by Facebook friends (including the Boac MPDO), and based on additional research. The posts were likewise presented as a challenge for the newly-appointed environmental secretary.
The waterfall in Brgy. Puting Buhangin (Boac), has attracted many local youths because of the natural beauty of the place and the unique color of the running water. Apparently visitors to the said place, mostly young people who may not have been born yet when the environmental tragedy happened, were not aware of the dangers.
Another story on the previously not publicized acidic waters flowing down Hinapulan River, site of the Marcopper Tailings Spill in 1996, was also published by me.
But not far from the mine site is another beautiful blue river hidden somewhere in Puting Buhangin, discovered last summer by unsuspecting, young, adventuresome Marinduquenos who apparently tried its inviting, cool waters.
(Video) Motorcycle Diaries: Hinulugang Amerikano falls, maganda sa mata, mapinsala sa balat
(Video) Motorcycle Diaries: Ang nakabalot na panganib sa ganda ng Hinapulan Creek
(Video) Motorcycle Diaries: Ang nakabalot na panganib sa ganda ng Hinapulan Creek
(Video) Motorcycle Diaries: Hinapulan Creek exploration, water samplings collected, interview with MACEC
