Three places in El Nido, Palawan were declared “no-swim-zones” as DENR implements strong rehabilitations in the concerned areas, Thursday.
Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said that two areas in Bacuit Bay and an area in Corong-Corong Bay will not be allowed for swimming due to fecal coliform levels- a bacteria coming from human and animal waste.
Coastlines of barangays Buena Suerte, Masagana and Corong-Corong will be banned for swimming, according to DENR.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said that fecal bacteria levels in the El Nido outfall (runoff from sewage flows out) last March reached 3.448 million units when the standard should only be 100 units.
Masagana’s outfall reportedly recorded 490,000 units of fecal coliform level. Corong-Corong had 46,000 levels.
But Cimatu assured that even though El Nido will continue the rehabilitation, it will not be shut down like Boracay.
Nine months were given to businesses and households in El Nido to comply with environmental requirements.
Another round for checking will be made in El Nido this coming August 5 to August 25 to monitor and assess the situation of establishments and even households.
As of August 1, 119 establishments have complied according to Puyat.
Meanwhile, non-swim areas are still open for businesses.
Other islands in El Nido according to Puyat are still safe to visit and swim since they are way below the fecal coliform level.
