100 koi released into Burnham Lake in Baguio to control algae growth

BAGUIO CITY—Around 100 koi were released into Burnham Lake recently as part of the city’s efforts to control algae growth and improve water quality.

According to the Baguio City Public Information Office on Friday (Oct. 30), local volunteer and recreational development consultant Rafael Serrano and Baguio City Jail Male Dormitory warden Atty. Dexter Ngipol led the release.

The consultant said the action was approved by Mayor Benjamin Magalong and City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) head Atty. Rhenan Diwas.

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Serrano, who organizes fishing tournaments in the city, said the koi were donated by Ngipol, who purchased them at a discounted price from Harold Sesaldo, a resort owner in San Gabriel, La Union.

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Diwas said biochemical treatments were also introduced into the lake to improve water clarity and quality without harming the existing aquatic life.

As part of the water quality assessment, five tilapia fingerlings were introduced into the lake on August 15 to test its toxicity levels.

Serrano said all five survived, which he cited as an indication that the lake could support aquatic life following pollution-control interventions.

He expressed hope that more tilapia will be introduced to support recreational activities, including the city’s annual fishing tournaments, which cannot use koi fish. /apl