DENR celebrates Earth Day today

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the Environmental Management Bureau celebrates Earth Day today with the theme “Lupa at Tubig Buhayin, Hangin Linisin, Ang Batas Tuparin”.

The Earth Day celebration this year highlights the current condition of the air, water and earth as well as the status of environmental law enforcements in the country.

These laws are the Philippine Clean Air Act, Philippine Clean Water Act, Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, Toxic and Hazardous Waste and Nuclear Waste Control Act and Environmental Impact Statement system law.

EMB-7 Regional Technical Director Lawyer Rolando Luego said that summary reports from the five air quality monitoring stations in Cebu showed that air quality is in between the rate of fair and good, hence this implies that air is still safe in the province.

Monitoring stations are located in the University of San Carlos in Talamban, DENR office in Banilad, Mabolo, Naga and in the City Traffic Operations Management office along Natalio Bacalso Ave., Cebu City.

On water quality management, efforts are concentrated in the monitoring and classification of water bodies, assessment of water quality, monitoring of beaches and potable water or groundwater.

Of the 19 principal rivers, 11 minor rivers and 10 bays in Region 7, the Butuanon and Guadalupe rivers are the major concerns since both are located in heavily-industrialized areas of Metro Cebu.

Luego said that the two remain the most polluted rivers in Cebu by having high pollution levels in terms of Biochemical Oxygen Demand concentrations, low oxygen levels and high coliform cell counts.

The coastal water of Mactan Island monitored by the EMB-7 was found to have exceeded the standard of total coliform cell counts required for safe and clean water.

The public and the local government units concerned must be made aware that there is an alarmingly high amount of coliform content in the waters of certain beaches and resorts in Mactan Island, according to EMB-7.

Based on the Water Quality Monitoring Results and Assessments done under the Beach Ecowatch Program of EMB-7 in 2007, the Mactan Island coastline has a total of coliform cell count of 1,040 per 100 milliliters which is more than the standard of 1,000 per 100 ml for Coastal and Marine Waters classification or Class SB.

EMB-7 regional technical director Rolando Luego said that the data is still true today and if the LGUs concerned will not immediately act on the matter, their economy as an international tourist spot might be affected.

Coliform bacteria are used as an indicator that water is not safe for human use. The presence of which implies that disease-causing organisms, such as E. Coli or parasites may be present. The symptoms of disease-causing organisms may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, cramps and other gastrointestinal distress. 

EMB is the lead agency for the protection, conservation and management of the country's natural resources. It focuses on intensifying the implementation policies, programs and projects, enforcement rules, regulations and guidelines of its various environmental laws. – Jessica Ann R. Pareja/BRP    (THE FREEMAN)