SAN JOSE, Antique – Solid waste management in the province must be monitored regularly, Environment secretary Roy Cimatu told the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).
The PENRO and the CENRO must see to it that the monitoring schedules in every town in Antique must be followed, added Cimatu.
Cimatu said such during a meeting with various stakeholders of the Malandog River Development program held at the new provincial capitol recently.
The discussion focused on proper waste disposal aimed at preventing coliform contamination in Antique rivers.
Cimatu expressed concern over the high coliform level at the Malandog bridge, which is above the maximum standard of the Environmental Management Bureau.
Waters from the rivers of San Remigio and Sibalom towns were also believed to be contaminated as high level of coliform was reported in the streams linking Malandog, Bariri and Guinbangga-an.
Coliforms usually occur in the intestinal tract of animals, including man, and are the most widely accepted indicators of water quality.
Cimatu said the PENRO and CENRO must check the disposal system of restaurants, piggeries and other establishments around the rivers.
The high level of coliform in the rivers may affect the tourism industry in Antique, the Environment chief warned.
Malandog River is being rehabilitated because of its historical significance. It is believed to be where the 10 Bornean datus docked and established the first Malay settlement in Antique.
The river is also a rich fishing ground – a source of livelihood and income for the community. (With a report from Vicente Villavert/PIA/PN)
