Palace allays concerns of high coliform levels in Panglao, Mactan

Malacañang on Monday allayed concerns that Panglao Island in Bohol and Mactan Island in Cebu may suffer the same fate as Boracay, now facing temporary closure over environmental issues, after the waters of the two tourist destinations have been found to have high levels of fecal coliform.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said there is already a wastewater facility underneath the Panglao International Airport.

“Hindi po magiging problema itong sa Panglao as soon as it is operational. So I think, the prospects for Panglao is rather good,” he said at a press briefing.

Roque, however, admitted that he was not aware if there is a centralized water treatment facility in Mactan.

He however assured the public that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will see to it that all resorts are in compliance with the rule that they should have their own wastewater treatment facility.

“Otherwise, they should be attached to a sewerage system that has a water treatment facility,” Roque said. “Hindi talaga pupuwede na mag-discharge ng wastewater na untreated sa karagatan.”

A newspaper report said a recent study by the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau showed that fecal coliform reached 150 to 200 most probable number (MPN) in Panglao and 180 to 250 MPN in Mactan.

According to the EMB, the safe level of coliform presence for swimming and other activities is 100 MPN per 100 milliliters.

Coliform is a type of bacteria that come from the feces of humans or animals. It often causes diarrhea and other water-borne diseases that can be fatal to malnourished children. —KBK, GMA News