El Nido, Palawan – THE local government of El Nido has publicly acknowledged the worsening crisis in the area from water quality, sanitation problems, and health-related risks that affects the towns residents including tourists.
Mayor Edna T. Lim, a statement released on July3, 2025, admitted that years of environmental rehabilitation efforts were made but have yet to fully address the town’s problems.
“We understand the concerns of our residents, stakeholders, and visitors and we assure everyone that these matters remain a top priority of our local government,” she stated.
El Nido, is one of Palawan’s most distinguished tourist destination. It is famous for its limestone cliffs and island-hopping tours.
Lim added that the long struggle between managing the balance between environmental protection and the pressure of a growing tourism industry plus the on-going improvements in wastewater treatment, marine protection programs, and stricter waste management are not enough to address the issues.
“We humbly recognize that despite these efforts, much remains to be done,” she said.
The municipal government also emphasized that it is expanding its monitoring of water quality and improving wastewater systems, while also enforcing sanitation and environmental regulations more strictly.
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,” Lim pleaded.
With tourism still the major source of income for El Nido, the LGU assured that 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,” Lim concluded
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