Pact to rid Laguna Lake of water lilies signed

Energy & Natural Resources Secretary Jose Atienza signed recently an agreement with the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), the National Commission on Urban Pest Control and Mapecon Green Charcoal Philippines to clear Laguna Lake and Pasig River of hyacinths (water lilies) and lake mud and turn them into commercial use.

Water lilies, usually blamed for floodings in Metro Manila, are a cheap source of green charcoal, safe to use and about 35 percent cheaper than LPG. Lake mud, abundant in Laguna Lake and Pasig River, is now widely produced into organic fertilizer developed under the patented Green Charcoal Technology that uses Toyota 4-K engines converted to run on 100 percent bio-fuel.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is the lead agency in the implementation of the agreement, LLDA will monitor the joint research and development project. Support agencies will pile the gathered waterlilies and lake mud at specified areas for collection and disposal at designated Mapecon recycling areas.

MGCPI executive vice president Gonzalo Catan Jr. said they will provide free of charge the technology and logistical resources, NCUPC will assist in development of environment-friendly products from organic and indigenous raw materials to promote effective pest control management.