SAN PEDRO CITY — Health officials in Laguna province on Monday urged the public to refrain from binge drinking, particularly unregistered brands of “lambanog” (coconut wine), a local holiday tradition that has led to outbreaks of methanol poisoning during this season in the last two years.
The warning complements the national government guidelines on large gatherings, as experts also project a surge of the coronavirus infection during Christmas and New Year’s celebration, said provincial health officer Rene Bagamasbad.
There is, however, no prohibition on liquor sale and consumption. The temporary ban on lambanog was lifted early this year, said Gov. Ramil Hernandez.
The ban was imposed on the heels of methanol poisoning in Laguna in 2019, when at least 14 died while dozens were hospitalized in Rizal and Nagcarlan towns due to high level of methanol mixed into the drink. —MARICAR CINCO INQ