CITY AGRICULTURE OFFICE CLAIMS

COLIFORM bacteria would not kill the bangus, neither would it kill a person.

This was how City Agriculturist Emma Molina described the hazard posed by the bacteria in reaction to PUNCH’s report confirming the existence of coliform bacteria in the city’s rivers above the acceptable levels.

 The PUNCH report quoted the analysis made by the National Integrated Fisheries Technology Development Center of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources office in Dagupan City. 

Molina stressed that the rivers of Dagupan are definitely free from harm, pointing out that the coliform bacteria level in the city’s river system is not alarming contrary to BFAR’s findings.

At the same time, the office of Mayor Benjamin Lim claimed that the bangus industry “continues to enjoy high demand and brisk sales” to debunk claims that the bangus industry in the city is threatened by the presence of coliform bacteria beyond acceptable levels in the river system.

Mayor Lim had branded the PUNCH story as ‘malicious’

According to Lim, while the fish farmers were initially alarmed over the news report, “we are happy to say that the demand and sales of bangus in the city have been increased.”

“Definitely, the coliform level in our city does not affect the production of fish products,” Molina said supporting Lim’s claims.

Meanwhile, City Health Officer Leonardo Carbonel said that basically the direct effect of an intake of a sizable volume of coliform bacteria is diarrhea. But no diarrhea outbreak has been recorded in our city so far, he said.

The mayor’s office also pointed out that the latest BFAR report dated April 27, showed that the coliform bacteria level has already been reduced compared to the Feb 13 BFAR report.

The mayor’s office, however, said nothing about the fact that the same report said that samples from Barangays Sabangan, Dawel and Lasip Grande still contained Total Coliform bacteria above the 5,000 maximum level limits “and did not pass the standard.”

The February report listed barangays Sabangan, Pugaro, Dawel, Lasip Grande, Bacayao sur and Lasip Chico as containing coliform bacteria that ranged from 7,900 to 240,000. 

According to the mayor’s office, BFAR chief Westly Rosario admitted that even with the high coliform level, fish products are not affected and only oysters in areas with above normal coliform level may be unsafe to eat as it will cause diarrhea.

Carbonnel said they had been making health advisory that at all times oysters should not be eaten raw.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rosario, in a telephone interview, told the PUNCH that the March and April reports were printed only last Friday, May 5.

Molina also pointed out that the areas specifically cited by BFAR as having above normal level of coliform are actually cited in the city’s New Fishery Ordinance as “no fishing” and regulated areas.

But she admitted that the strict implementation of the fishery ordinance “which Mayor Lim has been thoroughly monitoring” will drastically reduce the coliform level in river system.

Rosario also pointed out that the dredging operations and dismantling of fishing structures especially fish traps will greatly contribute to the improved quality of waters in the river system.

In an interview before deadline, Dr. Rosario said high population build-up near rivers could also be the reason for the high level of contamination.

He urged the city government to conduct an investigation to determine if there are residents who may be raising animals near rivers whose wastes might be flowing directly into the water.  — AQL

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