Mactan waters ‘still safe’ for bathing, LGU exec says

The government of Lapu-Lapu City on Tuesday said it is still safe to swim in the waters of Mactan island even amid findings by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that it has high coliform levels.

In a report by GMA News' Ian Cruz on Balitanghali, Lapu-Lapu City environmental lawyer Ethelbert Ouano said a separate assessment conducted by the LGU showed that municipal waters are considered safe.

"I think, a few days after, there was an announcement coming from DENR that it's still safe for bathing," Ouano said.

Mactan island and Panglao island in Bohol are among tourist spots promoted as alternatives to the soon-to-be closed Boracay island.

However, a water sampling test by the DENR's Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) found them both to have high levels of fecal coliform, a kind of bacteria known to cause diarrhea and other water-borne diseases.

As the germ comes from the feces of humans or animals, the bureau is also monitoring informal setters taking up at least six coastal locations in Mactan island.

"We can already tell them that their continued stay there is not only illegal, but also hazardous. Not just for them, but also for us and the tourists where we derived our income," Ouano said.

According to the report, more tourists are still expected to flock to Mactan island, which has over 60 resorts.

"This hotel is enjoying 90 percent occupancy this who month. I believe that other hotels and resorts around Mactan area are enjoying around 80 percent and above," Domiku Ugarte, the vice president of the Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu, said. —Margaret Claire Layug/KBK, GMA News