Fish From Taal Lake And Batangas Are Unsafe To Eat, Says DOH

The Department of Health (DOH) advises the public to avoid consuming fish from Taal Lake and Batangas in light of the recent eruption of Taal Volcano.

Philstar reports that in a press briefing on Tuesday, January 14, 2020, DOH Assistant Secretary Maria Francia Laxamana said, “Meron tayong mga advisory na lahat ng nanggagaling diyan sa area ng Taal at Batangas, dapat wala nang bibili kasi di natin maaasahan ‘yung safety ng ating mga mamamayan.”

Taal Lake is home to popular fish species such as tilapia and tawilis, the only freshwater sardine in the world.

Consumption of contaminated fish can cause symptoms like stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

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The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) also stated that fish kill is expected in Taal Lake after the eruption, Philstar reports. This may lead to the destruction of 6,000 fish cages. Production loss has been estimated at around 15,033 metric tons.

ABS-CBN News says that because the tragedy will impact the supply of tilapia in Metro Manila, the BFAR is in the process of identifying sources of this fish species in other regions. The bureau will also be providing fingerlings of tilapia and other fish as well as production loans for tilapia producers.

Aside from that, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced that the volcanic eruption has also led to significant agricultural damage amounting to P577.6 million, according to ABS-CBN News.

2,772 hectares of farmland, all of which grow high-value crops like rice, banana, and coffee were affected, along with at least 1,967 heads of livestock.

In response to this, the DA’s attached agencies intend to distribute seedlings and livestock to affected farmers, medicine for the animals affected by the tragedy, and P30 million worth of loans for farmers and fisherfolk.

Is your house covered with ash due to the eruption? Learn how to clean ashfall properly here.

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