LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Ilocos Norte has provided the provincial government of Ilocos Norte a ton of Vigormin to aid in lowering the coliform level in the Paoay Lake Waterpark.
 
It can be recalled that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recommended an extensive cleanup drive around Paoay Lake since it was highly contaminated with E. coli bacteria last year. Since then, the provincial government has looked into some ways to decrease coliform level in the lakewater.

With the Vigormin, it is seen to help prevent further increase in water contamination in the tourist destination in Paoay town.
 
It is an odorless, white powder composed of various organo-minerals that has the capability to neutralize odor as well as the mucky color in wastewater or septic waters.
 
According to DOST Provincial Director Engr. Benjamin Mercado Jr, its application significantly improves water quality based on the standards set by DENR.
 
Meanwhile, the provincial government, through its tourism office, is assertive on its effort for environmental compliance, particularly in the province's key tourist areas.
 

"It’s been a continuous effort to develop not just this specific area but the entire lake, and with this protection of the lake, we all know it is a national park, and we try to continue maintaining the status and preserving the lake for tourism," said Xavier Ruiz, senior tourism operations officer of the provincial government's tourism office.
 
The Vigormin is distributed to five local establishments aroudn Paoay Lake namely Malacañang of the North, Kamarinn Cafe, Jowtoo, Bellagio Hills, and the Paoay Lake Water Resort.
 
They were oriented on the utilization of the solution, which must be flushed down toilets, and use for at least nine weeks.
 
With this science and technology intervention, the provincial government is hopeful that the water fro the Paoay Lake will continually improve to sustain their efforts in reviving the province's tourism industry amid the pandemic. (JCR/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)