Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu ordered on Thursday the immediate conduct of water testing at the Paoay Lake to ensure it is safe for swimming.
While passing by the lake on his way to attend the 44th founding anniversary of the state-run Mariano Marcos State University where he served as guest of honor and speaker, Cimatu said he was uncertain if he would grant a permit for the opening of the Paoay Lake waterpark.
“When I saw the water, I am not sure if it is OK for swimming,” Cimatu said as he ordered Regional Executive Director Crizaldy Barcelo of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 1 to conduct water sampling at the lake before allowing visitors to enjoy the water.
With eight days more to go before its planned official launching on January 28, Cimatu said that by that time the DENR can already ascertain if the water park passes quality standards for swimming.
If the lake is not fit for swimming, he said the opening of the waterpark should be postponed to a later date and find ways to clean it first.
The development of the Paoay Lake waterpark was an initiative of the Ilocos Norte government with an investment capital of PHP26.1 million.
As of the moment, bean bags and Bali beach umbrellas are now available at the lakefront for the excited visitors who eagerly await the opening of the largest floating playground in the north located near the Malacanang of the North in Barangay Suba, Paoay, Ilocos Norte.
The “inflatable floating island” is set to have its media launch on January 22.
Source: Philippines News Agency