LAOAG CITY, Feb. 23 (PIA) – During his visit in Ilocos Norte, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato de la Peña met with Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc to discuss possible interventions for the water safety issue at Paoay Lake.

Earlier this month, Manotoc has appealed to the DOST chief for assistance in coming up with possible long-term solutions for the lake where a waterpark is currently situated.

De la Peña said that an initial 500kg of Vigormin powder will be given to the provincial government through the Provincial Science and Technology Center in Ilocos Norte.

Vigormin is a white powder comprising several organo-minerals and provides non-toxic way of treating odors generated by waste water and solid waste.

According to DOST, it acts to lower the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) level in waste water from an area.

Its developer, Dr. Merlinda Palencia, is scheduled to have a meeting with Manotoc and other concerned offices on Feb. 24 to map out long-term solutions for the said lake.

Moreover, the DOST will look into the existing data on the lake based on the latest laboratory results, including data on the type of existing sewerage and waste water systems from the households and industries surrounding Paoay Lake.

“We will be having a consultative meeting and we will be closely monitoring the improvement of the water quality of the lake in the coming months,” said Dr. Armando Ganal, DOST in Ilocos Regional Director.

In January, the lake was found out to be highly contaminated with E.coli bacteria based on the water quality monitoring report and results of the laboratory analysis.

This makes Paoay Lake not fit for swimming and is only good for fishing and boating.

In the meantime, DOST Ilocos Norte Provincial Director Engr. Benjamin Mercado Jr. assured they will be helping in monitoring and coordinating with the local authorities for their needs in ensuring safety of the tourists who visit the Paoay Lake waterpark which is a new tourism attraction of the province.

It features the first ever floating playground in the North and comes with lounge areas, sports activities, and inflatables that visitors could enjoy and use. (JCR/AMB/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)