El Nido admits ongoing struggles with water security, public health

In a statement released Thursday, July 3, the municipal government said it recognizes the “continuing environmental, public health, and water security challenges” facing the community. “We understand the concerns of our residents, stakeholders, and visitors,” it added, “and we assure everyone that these matters remain a top priority of our local government.”

El Nido, one of Palawan’s most visited tourist destinations, has long struggled with managing the balance between environmental protection and the pressure of a growing tourism industry. Despite previous efforts, including improvements in wastewater treatment, marine protection programs, and stricter waste management, officials say those interventions have not been enough.

“We humbly recognize that despite these efforts, much remains to be done,” the local government said. “Environmental rehabilitation is a continuing process.”

The town, known globally for its limestone cliffs and island-hopping tours, now finds itself confronting deeper questions about water access, public safety, and the limits of short-term solutions. “Some of the interventions we have undertaken still fall short in fully resolving complex, long-standing concerns, particularly those affecting water quality, water security, and sanitation,” the statement read.

In recent years, reports of insufficient wastewater treatment capacity and the degradation of El Nido’s marine and freshwater resources have led to growing concern from both environmental groups and local residents. Now, the government is calling for a broader response that includes stricter monitoring and community involvement.

“Ensuring access to clean, safe, and reliable water resources, both for consumption and recreational use, is essential for public welfare, economic activity, and community resilience,” it said.

According to the statement, the municipal government is expanding its monitoring of water quality and improving wastewater systems, while also enforcing sanitation and environmental regulations more strictly. Public health advisories and environmental education campaigns are also being scaled up, in coordination with national agencies.

Still, the government made clear that lasting change will require more than official programs. “The protection of El Nido’s environment, water resources, and public health is not the duty of government alone,” it said. “It is a shared obligation that requires unity, discipline, and compassion.”

Business owners, tourism stakeholders, and residents are being asked to take part in these ongoing efforts. “We appeal to our communities… for continued cooperation, patience, and collective responsibility,” the statement said.

While tourism remains a major economic driver for El Nido, the town’s leaders say they are prioritizing long-term sustainability, not just for the protection of its world-famous lagoons and coastlines, but for the well-being of its people.

“El Nido remains fully committed to creating a safer, healthier, and more sustainable community for present and future generations,” the statement concluded.