DOH favors proposed ordinance on free water

CEBU - The Department of Health-7 is in favor of the passage of the proposed ordinance mandating restaurants to provide free potable water to its customers.

DOH-7 regional director Susana Madarieta, in her position letter submitted to the Cebu City Council, said her office is recommending the passage of two ordinances that ensure safe and free drinking water is given to the customers of restaurant or any food establishment.

The said ordinances, authored by councilors Sylvan Jakosalem and Edgardo Labella, amended a provision of the Sanitary Code, ensuring that potable water is given to customer automatically and not only when customer ask for it.

This after food establishments were observed not giving free water to customers, prompting them to buy bottled water instead.

If water is offered freely, this was allegedly found to be unsanitary.

Madarieta said studies have shown that food establishments are a potential source of food and water-borne diseases.

Diarrhea diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, gastroenteritis, hepatitis and many others are attributed to unsafe drinking water.

Madarieta said a provision of the Code of Sanitation in the Philippines covering Food Establishments mandates that water supply as a sanitary requirement in such businesses, shall be adequate and potable either from public or private water supply system.

She said the quality of water shall be in accordance with the National Standard for Drinking Water.

In fact, Madarieta said that a minimum of 40 liters per capita daily of water supply shall be provided by the establishment which displays the “Certificate of Potability” issued by the local health office.

 “Finding the purpose of the proposed ordinances consistent and relevant to the objectives of the programs of the DOH, this office is therefore in favor for its approval,” Madarieta said. The proposed ordinances will then be scheduled for third and final reading. — Ferliza C. Contratista/BRP (THE FREEMAN)