By Alec Go
Water and seafood consumption are not advisable in contaminated areas, according to the Department of Health (DOH), after water testing showed that only nine of the 35 sampling sites in Puerto Galera passed water quality standards.
In a joint statement on Tuesday, April 16, the DOH and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said only the following areas passed the Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016:
- Small Lalaguna
- Big Lalaguna Shoreline
- Balete
- Central Sabang Shoreline
- Coco Beach
- Batangas Channel
- Paniquian
- Balatero
- West San Isidro Bay
The list of those that failed to pass water quality standards was not provided.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of contamination in these areas, considering the ongoing economic and human activities there.
The DOH and the DENR said they will continue to monitor the situation in the area.
Meanwhile, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said tourism remains open in Puerto Galera.
“The public is advised to proceed with caution but that no swimming ban has been indicated, only that concerns have been expressed in the ingestion of water,” Frasco said, citing findings of the DOH and the DENR.
“And therefore, our perception of this joint statement is that the Puerto Galera tourism continues to be open,” she added.
Not for drinking
The DOH advised the public to avoid the consumption of water and contaminated seafood products from the affected areas.
“For drinking water, the DOH reiterates that potable water should not have detectable levels of contaminants beyond the standards as these pose potential health hazards,” it stated, noting that these may also cause various skin diseases such as rashes and blisters.
“Oils and grease may also result in aspiration leading to respiratory diseases while ingestion will cause gastrointestinal irritations which may manifest acutely as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea,” it added.
Meanwhile, those experiencing poisoning symptoms from contaminant exposure are urged to contact the following:
- UP National Poison Management and Control Center – 852-41078
- East Avenue Medical Center – (02) 8928-0611 loc 707
- Batangas Medical Center – 09189456879 or (043) 7408307 loc 1104
– gb
