EMB unfolds the classification of Tagb’s coastal waters
City Councilor Nerio Zamora II and Pob. 2 Punong Barangay Dr. Allan Real; . (from left, back row): City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Ceasar Pelaez and Tagbilaran City Waterworks
Supervisor Engr. Peter Busano. The forum was held on Oct. 26, 2021. Contributed photo
Water classification is a very important component in water quality management. It is important that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) water quality guidelines and general septage standards are being followed.
In this connection, from January to September 2021, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) conducted water sampling in the coastal waters of Tagbilaran City with the following as their considered parameters: dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids, and fecal coliform organisms.
The EMB established testing stations in the following barangays, Taloto, Manga, Booy, Poblacion I, Poblacion 2, Cogon, Mansasa, and Bool.
The water samples taken from the coastal waters in the city will be the basis for the classification of the bodies of water.
The bodies of water are classified as Class SA – or Protected Waters and Fishery; Class 1; Class SB – or Fishery Water; Class 2; Tourist Zone; and Recreational Water Class 1; Class SC – or Fishery Water; Class 3 and Recreational Water Class 2; and Class SD – or navigable waters, according to The City Media Bureau.
During the public consultation attended by the different local government units (LGU) in Bohol, barangay workers, and private institutions held at the Panda Tea Garden on Oct. 26, 2021, Kay Espinosa from the Ambient Quality Monitoring Section of the EMB discussed the water classification process in Tagbilaran City.
Espinosa said that based from the preliminary findings, all the 9 coastal barangays of the city exhibited high incidence of dissolved oxygen, which means that it is capable of breeding fish and other aquatic organisms.
The total suspended solids were found to be high in the coastal areas of Poblacion 2 which is understandable considering the presence of commercial institutions in the area.
A panel discussion ensued after the presentation of the initial findings. The final result of Tagbilaran City’s water classification is expected to be released within the year.
Tagbilaran CDRRMO conducts contingency planning
City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Research and Planning Head Marko Emmanuel Longjas is shown discussing some possible scenarios and responses during the Contingency Planning seminar held at JJ’s Seafood Village. This took place on October 28. Contributed photo
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) has conducted a 3-day workshop on Contingency Planning graced by the different stakeholders from the national government agencies, Barangay Affairs and Constituency Unit, City Agrivet Office, Information and Technology Unit, City Media Bureau, City General Services, City Engineering, and non-governmental organizations.
With strict health protocols in place, the participants converged at JJ’s Seafood Village.
CDRRMO Head Gerard Lavadia said the goal of the activity is to come up with preparedness and response plans in case of calamities and man-made disasters. In the afternoon, inventory of resources was made and a lengthy discussion transpired outlining the needs and activities that should be carried out before, during, and after a calamity. An in-depth task analysis was also facilitated to clear out the roles and responsibilities of each agency.
This was done in order to avoid overlapping of responsibilities.
A composite team for search and rescue operations was also established.
Experts were invited to explain the dynamics of the possible calamities that might hit Tagbilaran City.