We, the students of Oriental Mindoro National High School of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, are living in a situation that is not only uncomfortable but also harmful to our health. Every day, we face an onslaught of "gilik", or palay dust from the nearby rice mill. This dust doesn't just make our surroundings dirty; it enters our classrooms and school facilities causing itchiness and triggering asthma attacks among other health issues.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to such particulate matter can lead to a range of health problems including respiratory diseases and other serious conditions. The impact on children can be especially severe as they are more susceptible due to their developing immune systems.

We believe that implementing protective barriers around the rice mill could significantly reduce this problem. These barriers would prevent the spread of gilik into populated areas thereby safeguarding our community's health.

This issue is deeply personal for us who live here; we are most exposed and suffering daily from skin irritations and asthma attacks caused by gilik. We appeal for immediate action - not just for ourselves but also for future generations who will inherit this environment.

We urge you to sign this petition calling on local authorities in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines to implement protective measures against gilik pollution from rice mills. Your signature can help bring about much-needed change in our community's quality of life.