Fishers lose Laguna lake share to private developers

MANILA, Philippines — The share of small fisherfolk in the 9,200-hectare Laguna de Bay has been lowered to 53 percent after the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) increased private operators’ allocation to 47 percent.

This means the area allocation for small fisherfolk is down to 4,876 hectares from the previous 5,520 hectares.

Private operators now have 4,324 hectares from the previous 3,680 hectares.

The LLDA Board originally set a 60-40 percent sharing of the 9,200-hectare allocation for aquaculture operations in Laguna de Bay.

In Board Resolution No. 2024-656 published in The STAR, the LLDA cited the result of the board’s first regular meeting on Jan. 24, which amended BR 540 issued in 2018.

“To enhance the flexibility and responsiveness of the aquaculture area allocation process in Laguna de Bay, it is imperative that the existing 60:40 percent ratio between small fisherfolk and private corporations be considered as set aside,” the resolution read.

The LLDA maintained it is authorized to modify and review the allowable area and allocation.

“At the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council yearend meeting convened on Dec. 12, 2023, the proposed revisions to certain provisions of the 2019 Zomag (Laguna de Bay Fishery Zoning and Management Guidelines) including area allocation, were presented and discussed. Similar discussions transpired during a subsequent meeting of the fishpen operators group and representatives from private corporations on Jan. 15,” it added.

The LLDA is an attached agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the Department of Agriculture will study the LLDA’s decision after he was asked about its possible impact on aquaculture production.