January 13, 2001
The Honorable Loren Legarda-Leviste
Philippine Senate
Philippines
My dear Mrs. Legarda-Leviste:
First of all, let me introduce myself to you. I am the granddaughter of the late Bonifacio Candari Y. Gella, one of the pioneers of Guia, Pandan, Antique. He was a first cousin of Lolo Vicente Gella, whom I believe is your grandfather. The late Augusto Candari, fondly called Totong, was my brother who passed away in August.
As you can see, I am an Antique&tilden;o, a native of Pandan, Antique. I belong to the Pagtatap USA and Pandan Antique Foundation organizations. I closely follow the developments of the proposed Semirara Island dumpsite, along with the other members of our organizations who are in Canada, Europe, Austria, Switzerland, and Australia.
Like you, we are all concerned that the province of Antique will be the dumping site of the MMDA trash that no other province wants to take. One doesn’t have to be a scientist to know the harmful effects trash will bring to our island, to the marine life, to the surrounding environment, and to the people there.
What a shame and an insult it would be to the Antique&tilden;os if Aventajado and Binay will prevail upon the dumpsite proposal amidst our protests and outcry of “No to Semirara Island Dumpsite!”
Please reassure us once more that your colleagues in the Senate will do everything possible to save Semirara island from becoming MMDA’s dumpsite. As a distinctive senator, you have the will and the position to take a stand against the atrocities that Aventajado and Binay are doing to the people of Antique.
Thank you, and my best regards to you.
Truly yours,
Helen Candari
California, USA
