In a bid to tackle the mounting cases of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) among individuals engaged in island hopping in El Nido, the local government, in conjunction with the Department of Health (DOH) and Municipal Health Office (MHO), has unanimously agreed to enforce the “No island food preparation” mandate.
The new policy prohibits the handling and preparation of foods within El Nido, following an agreement with various travel and tour operators as well as boat operators that took place at a meeting on Friday, May 19.
Setting as a catalyst for the immediate resolution of the regional health problem is the visit by the DOH-OIC Secretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire, who cited the urgency of the matter during the encounter.
AGE is a medical condition caused by either bacteria or viruses by consuming contaminated food or water, often manifested by symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Medical experts attribute the development of the illness to known pathogens, including E. coli, Vibrio cholerae, or Clostridium perfringens.
With a broader strategy aimed at rehabilitating El Nido’s environment, including wastewater discharge, water quality, and solid waste management, the decision to prevent food-borne ailments is only one among the many that are being enforced by the El Nido Rehabilitation Task Force (ENRTF).
