• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Manjuyod White Sandbar in Negros Oriental, nicknamed as the Maldives of the Philippines, was temporarily closed due to the occurrence of water discoloration.
In an executive order he issued on October 27 suspending acceptance of visitors to the Manjuyod Sandbar, Mayor Raffy Alipio Andaya said the water discoloration was blamed to the discharge of wastewater effluent from the collapsed lagoon dike of URC-SURE Bais Distillery, affecting the coastal waters and marine environment of Manjuyod.
Andaya said the URC-SURE Bais Distillery lagoon dike collapsed due to earthquake-induced cracks and continuous heavy rainfall over the past several days.
The contamination poses potential health and environmental hazards, and immediate preventive action is necessary to ensure the safety of visitors, residents and stakeholders, according to the mayor.
The local disaster council, as well as the environment natural resources office of Manjuyod town are now coordinating with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and other concerned government agencies for immediate water quality testing, assessment, and monitoring.
Access to the affected area is restricted during the closure period, Andaya further said.
“Tourism operations at the Manjuyod White Sandbar shall resume only upon clearance and recommendation from the concerned regulatory and environmental agencies confirming that the area is safe, and free from contamination,” the mayor said.
The Manjuyod White Sandbar is known for its pristine white sand and crystal clear waters. Visitors may enjoy dolphin watching, snorkeling and swimming.
Its sandbar is fully visible at low tide and is submerged when the tide is high.*
