In the entire Philippines today, cancer is the leading cause of death only in Central Luzon. It is the third highest cause of mortality in the National Capital Region, the Cordillera Autonomous Region, the Ilocos Region, Southern Tagalog, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas. What makes Region III a high risk area for cancer - much greater than Metro Manila and Metro Cebu?
A closer look will show that it is in Pampanga, specifically Angeles City that the dreaded disease of cancer has been taking its toll on our people. In February this year, it was reported by the City Health Office of Angeles City that the incidence of breast cancer alone has increased by 237% in just two years time from 1998 over 1996. A most recent victim was Zenaida Tan who died last March 28, 1999 after having been diagnosed only recently with breast cancer. What is causing this in Angeles City?
Talk about pesticides, mining contamination, air pollution and urban lifestyle - these are all prevalent nationwide. What is unique to Angeles City alone? The long presence of a US Military Base - CLARK AIR FIELD !!!
During the Vietnam War, chemical warfare was unleashed by the US Military over vast areas of Vietnam - principal of which was Agent Orange, the deadly poison which is so toxic that its carcinogenic effects remain for decades in the soil, water and air. It was in Angeles City that this chemical was stored and from where US planes flew to Vietnam on their killing missions. Do you suppose that when the US abandoned this base right after the Pinatubo Eruption, they brought along with them this deadly chemical? NO WAY! They left it all in Angeles City.
Today, who is paying the price for these highly toxic and deadly chemicals?
In 1995, Growth for Equity in Mindanao Program (GEM) was established, entirely funded by the US Agency for International Development (US AID). Though the program intended to accelerate economic growth in the entire Mindanao island, its main infrastructure was focused on General Santos City - specifically a huge airport runway where Manila flights are only once daily. Makes one wonder about the feasibility of a huge commercial airport facility in General Santos City, doesn't it?
Today, there are several major tuna canning factories who are all dumping their waste in the bay of General Santos City. In the entire city, the source of drinking water is the ground water. In just a few years time, the general health situation in this city will deteriorate because of a contaminated bay area - more specifically, cancer will increase tremendously.
Take note that the highest incidence of breast cancer in the entire world is in the San Francisco Bay area - where it had the most numerous hazardous waste sites in the entire USA - specifically the Springfellow Acid Pits. The American women are now up in arms against breast cancer. They are fighting today for global eradication of breast cancer.
With the VFA, General Santos City is doomed. The Philippine Breast
Cancer Network recognizes our deteriorating environment as a major cause
of breast cancer and the VFA will only serve to nail the coffin of our
women and our daughters. Economic progress can be achieved without the
VFA. Breast Cancer is the price we will pay for the VFA in exchange for
chocolates.
