DENR tests naga river’s water quality

By Paulo DS Papa

Despite the presence of establishments that pollute the Naga River, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) remains confident about the water test results from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Last Easter Monday, April 22, the DENR, in coordination with CENRO, collected a water sample from the river to confirm whether the water body is being properly managed by the local government.

In an interview, Marvin Sagun, CENRO’s senior environment management specialist, said that the sampling is part of the DENR’s search for the most outstanding Water Management (WatMa) Governing Board.

He said that if the city is recognized as an outstanding WatMa Governing Board, it would indicate that the local government has effective policies in place to conserve the water quality of the Naga River.

However, if the city does not qualify for the award, he added that the city council will work to strengthen or implement stricter policies for managing the river’s water quality.

When asked about the wastewater from the Naga City People’s Mall—considered one of the biggest pollutants of the river—he replied that the city government has numerous policies in place, which are complied with by establishments such as food chains.

He explained that restaurant and bar operators, among others, are required to install grease traps to prevent river pollution caused by oil runoff in wastewater.

“Grease traps are required for these businesses in order for them to secure a mayor’s permit to operate annually,” said Sagun.

CENRO is expected to receive the test results in June this year.

Janitor Fish Invasion

Sagun clarified that the presence of janitor fish in the river is not a reflection of water quality or management.

He explained that janitor fish are an introduced freshwater species, invasive by nature, as they reproduce rapidly and are considered parasitic by local river communities.

Without natural predators, these organisms consume various kinds of freshwater fish in the river, including carp, among others.

To curb their population, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the City Agriculture Office are encouraging locals to catch and collect janitor fish by the kilo.

Sagun said the office buys janitor fish because they are used as fertilizer.

Last month, local fisherfolk caught around 41 kilos of janitor fish, which the agriculture office purchased at P50.00 per kilo.

THE Naga river.