BAGUIO RIVER SYSTEMS FACE RISING CONTAMINATION CONCERNS OVER IMPROPER ANIMAL WASTE DISPOSAL

Amid growing water pollution concerns in Baguio City, the Environmental Management Division of the City Environment and Parks Management Office (EMD-CEPMO) warned that improperly disposed dog feces have become a potential source of contamination in the city’s river systems, adding to existing wastewater and sewer problems.

EMD Head Engr. Sofronio Pascua and Environmental Management Specialist Bernadette Pagteilan explained that improperly disposed animal waste continues to affect major river systems in the city, including the Balili, Bued, Asin-Gallano, and Ambalanga rivers. According to them, dog feces contain harmful bacteria and contaminants that can worsen water quality when dumped into drainage systems and waterways.

Monitoring conducted by EMD-CEPMO showed reported incidents of improper waste disposal in communities located near river systems, including areas along the Balili and Bued Rivers such as Gibraltar, Barangay Holy Ghost Extension, Pacdal, Greenwater, East Modern Site, Loakan Proper, St. Joseph, M. Roxas, Pinsao Proper, Brooks Point, Honeymoon–Holy Ghost, San Antonio, South Sanitary Camp, Mal-Marcoville, Pinget, Hillside, Scout Barrio, Upper Dagsian, Leonila Hill, Camp 7, Bakakeng Norte and Sur, DPS Compound, Engineers’ Hill, Imelda Village, Marcoville, New Lucban, Lopez Jaena, and Sta. Escolastica.

Pagteilan said, water quality assessments showed improvements in the city’s rivers, with fecal coliform levels once recorded in the trillions decreasing to the billions. However, recent monitoring reports from the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (EMB-DENR-CAR) indicated that levels have again increased to the trillions.

High fecal coliform levels are linked to contamination from human and animal waste, which can increase the risk of waterborne illnesses among people exposed to polluted water, affecting river water quality and sanitation.

CEPMO emphasized that owners play a crucial role in preventing further water pollution, urging the public to properly dispose of animal waste by flushing it in toilets or burying it in pits.

Authorities also reminded residents to comply with existing environmental regulations and local sanitation policies aimed at protecting the city’s waterways.

Local ordinances, particularly the Anti-Littering Ordinance (Ordinance No. 54-1988, as amended by Ordinance No. 59-2020) and the Baguio City Environment Code (Ordinance No. 18-2016), prohibit the dumping of waste into canals, drainage systems, and natural waterways, with corresponding penalties for violations.

The city government has also strengthened its crackdown on water pollution, with Mayor Benjamin Magalong warning that more cases will be filed against individuals and establishments caught dumping waste into rivers and other waterways.

Pascua also noted that backyard piggeries, which are prohibited in highly urbanized cities like Baguio City, have significantly decreased due to enforcement efforts, while ongoing monitoring is in place to deter illegal piggery activities.

Authorities continue to urge residents to practice responsible waste disposal to help prevent further contamination and safeguard both public health and the city’s river systems.