DOH probes spike in diseases

Linked to Batangas natural gas power plants?

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) is looking into the reported increase in respiratory and cardiovascular diseases linked to exposure to liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants in Batangas City.

In a statement issued yesterday, DOH-Calabarzon regional director Ariel Valencia said the probe, which is being conducted in coordination with the city health office, was based on a directive issued by Health Secretary Ted Herbosa.

Valencia said a team composed of members of the regional disaster risk reduction and management in health, regional epidemiology surveillance unit and non-communicable disease cluster led by Dr. Voltaire Guadalupe went to Batangas City to validate morbidity data.

Of the six LNG power plants in the country, five are in Batangas City.

Increased cases of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases were reported among residents of Barangays Ilijan, Malitam, Sta. Rita Karsada, Tabangao Ambulong and Tabangao Aplaya, which host the power plants.

One out of every 10 people in the areas reported cases based on data provided by the city health office.

“Initially based on the pooled data of morbidity and mortality cases from the city health office, we have not yet seen any link to power plant operations,” Valencia said.

He said the team would check other relevant documents such as baseline data on air and water quality as well as the health of affected communities.

The Batangas city health office had earlier said it found no evidence-based data indicating that influenza-like illness cases in the five barangays were directly caused by LNG or fossil gas power plants.

The DOH gave assurance that any potential health hazard associated with exposure to LNG power plants is being investigated.

The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) said it welcomed Herbosa’s directive to investigate the health impacts of operating fossil gas plants in Batangas.

Ian Rivera, PMCJ national coordinator, noted that there was no concrete investigation conducted by the Batangas city health office when their group filed a complaint in January.

“With the grave issue of health impacts of gas plants, Secretary Herbosa must set up an impartial national task force to investigate since the Batangas health office is bias,” Rivera said.

Concerned groups led by the PMCJ had earlier urged the DOH to declare a public health emergency in the city and investigate the impacts of LNG on the health of residents.