SAN SIMON -- The Municipal Health Officer of this town recently dispelled allegations that numerous residents of the 12 villages here have fallen victim to respiratory and skin diseases caused by pollution.
Dr. Marline Bagtas-Dela Rosa said that there are no records of an epidemic or spread of respiratory and skin diseases among residents, especially those residing in villages near the Quezon road where various manufacturing plants are located.
This is contrary to claims that residents here, particularly those from San Isidro and San Pablo Propio villages, are suffering from respiratory and skin illnesses caused by pollution emitted by steel plants and other factories here.
“Regular ‘yung barangay visits namin ng mga health officers sa mga barangays pero so far wala naman nung mga epidemic na sinasabi nila,” she stressed.
She added that if there are a few who are inflicted, these cannot be attributed to pollution alone as there are several factors such as the patient’s lifestyle.
She stressed that fever, colds and cough are the only illnesses that are usually experienced by Simonians based on the records of the Municipal Health Office (MHO).
Bagtas also said that the local government, under the leadership of Mayor Leonora Wong, is currently addressing the pollution complaints to avoid said cases from happening.
She added that the managements of the manufacturing plants are also participating in ensuring the health and safety of residents by conducting medical missions and donating medicines to the MHO.