DOH not recommending ban on Puerto Galera water activities

The Department of Health (DOH) is not yet recommending a ban on water activities in Puerto Galera following recent water quality tests.

Puerto Galera and four other areas failed four consecutive water quality tests after an oil spill incident in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro last February.

DOH Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire clarified that the current tests are focused on shorelines directly affected by the oil spill, and Puerto Galera was part of random sampling.

Vergeire stated that the results are not yet conclusive and the government has not established a standard for implementing a ban based on such sampling.

Despite the lack of a ban, the DOH strongly advises the public against bathing in or drinking the water due to detected contaminants.

Key government officials, including President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Vergeire, visited Pola, Oriental Mindoro to discuss updates and provide aid for oil spill-affected areas.

The DOH provided hygiene kits, Hazmat sets, and collapsible jerry cans to support the health of residents, while other agencies offered equipment for farming and livelihood support, along with cash assistance grants.