The quality of water at the Iloilo River is improving as indicated by its decreasing total and fecal coliform content, according to DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau in Region 6.
EMB-6 Regional Technical Director lawyer Jonathan Bulos said over the September 14 edition of Bombo Radyo’s “Good Morning Philippines” here that also improving is the dissolved oxygen and biochemical oxygen demand.
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| Credits: Ian John Pamplona |
Bio-oxygen demand refers to the amount of oxygen that would be consumed if certain organics in water were oxidized by bacteria and protozoa, while dissolved oxygen is a measure of water quality, which means that adequate amount of it indicates good water quality.
The improving quality of Iloilo River was determined by EMB-6 based on results of water quality monitoring in 7 monitoring stations along the river.
He attributed this positive development to the collaborative efforts to develop and clean up the river put out by various stakeholders working together including the DENR, city government of Iloilo and top Ilonggo government officials, through the Iloilo River Development Council.
DENR-6 headed by Regional Director Jim O Sampulna is also pursuing Oplan SWIM or Sustainable Work Plan for Iloilo River Management towards the development and protection of the river and its tributaries.
The efforts are directed towards the development of Iloilo River not only for fisheries but also as an eco-tourism zone, said Bulos.
With RTD Bulos during the radio guesting were Engr. Arjun Calvo, also of EMB6, and Forester and Public Information Officer Vince Gregorio of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, representing Iloilo PENRO Raul Lorilla.
The discussion on the Iloilo River was part of the preliminary activities leading to the holding of the Bombo Radyo and Star FM Baroto Race on September 20 at the river, which is supported by DENR-6 and Philippine Information Agency-6 in line with advocacy campaign on climate change mitigation and adaptation. [via Source]
