Puerto Galera brgys. fail water quality tests

OUT of the 35 sampling stations within the municipality of Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro and it’s barangays, only nine sampling stations have met the criteria for the agency’s water quality guidelines.

Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco meanwhile said Puerto Galera is projected to lose around P5.3 million daily should it be shut for tourism, after authorities deemed many of its water sites unsafe for swimming activities.

Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and International Affairs Jonas Leones identified those areas that passed DENR Administrative Order 2016-08 or the Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016 as Small Lalaguna and Big Lalaguna shoreline, Balete, Central Sabang shoreline, Coco Beach, Batangas Channel, Paniquian, Balatero, and West San Isidro Bay.

Citing the Department of Health, he said potable water must not have detectable levels of contaminants beyond the standards. He said exposure to such contaminants could cause rashes and blisters.

“Do not touch the water,” he said.

Oils and grease may also result in aspiration leading to respiratory diseases, while ingestion would cause gastrointestinal irritations which may manifest acutely abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The Department of Health advised the public to exercise caution and refrain from consuming water from affected areas when conducting water-related occupational and recreational activities, Leonen said. The consumption of contaminated various fish, shellfish and other seafood products is prohibited.

He said the local government, along with the DENR, is studying if the water contaminants are caused by the oil spill. On Feb, 28, MT Princess Empress carrying 900,00 liters of industrial fuel oil sank off Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, causing an oil spill.