[APWSLMembers 179] KMU slams DENR for negligence Launches Piso Mula Sa Obrero Relief Drive

[Kilusang Mayo Uno]

KMU NEWS RELEASE
February 23, 2006


KMU slams DENR for negligence
Launches Piso Mula Sa Obrero Relief Drive


The Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) slammed the Department of Environment and 
Natural Resources for its notorious neglect of the environment 
leading to the many man-induced tragedies including the Leyte 
catastrophe last February 17, 2006.

According to Elmer "Ka Bong" Labog, National Chairperson of KMU, the 
DENR had all the time in the world to pre-empt what happened in Leyte 
by engaging in massive reforestation.   Labog remembered what 
happened in 1991 when flashfloods drowned the whole Ormoc town in 
Leyte, induced by big-scale logging and mining, which started since 
the 1950's.   "Lightning does strike twice because the DENR remained 
callous to the lessons of history."

"But what irks us the most is while our brothers and sisters remained 
buried in Ginsaugon, Leyte, DENR Secretary Angelo Reyes is already 
selling mining rights to multi-national mining corporation," quipped 
Labog.   "Only 1.4% of our 30 million hectares of rich mining sites 
are covered by mining rights, and yet the devastation it brings to 
the environment and our people are immeasurable."

In response, KMU offered Mahogany, Narra and Acacia 
seedlings.   "Reforestation is the least thing that DENR can do, but 
it should not stop there.  Big-scale logging and mining should be 
stopped immediately to give the environment the much-needed break," 
added Labog.   "And those found to be negligent of their duty should 
be held liable for the deaths of our countrymen."

KMU launches Piso Mula sa Obrero (A peso from the workers)

In coordination with other concerned organizations, KMU launched 
today the Piso Mula sa Obrero relief drive aimed to gather goods to 
assist the survivors of the St. Bernard mudslide.   "Workers have 
very little to speak of, but they are very eager to help our brothers 
and sisters affected by the mudslide.  A single peso may be 
insignificant, but gathered from millions of workers, it will 
definitely make an impact.   So we will go around factories, 
communities and big gatherings to collect financial and material 
support from our workers," explained Labog.

Labog appealed to the public to share their old clothes, beddings, 
mosquito nets, lamps, rice and other needed materials for the relief 
drive.   The proceeds from the Piso Mula sa Obrero shall be used to 
buy rice and medicines.  First shipment of goods is scheduled on 
March 18, 2006.   They can bring their relief goods to #63 Narra 
Street, Barangay Claro 1102, Quezon City or call +63 2 4210986 for details.

NOTE:  For our friends abroad, if you wish to donate, please contact 
the KMU International Department at kmuid at tri-isys.com on how best 
you can send your financial and material support.  Thank you!