‘No reclamation allowed within Laguna de Bay’

MANILA, Philippines — Reclamation activities within Laguna de Bay have not been issued any permits or clearances, according to the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) yesterday after photos were taken showing the extent of ongoing reclamation in the lake.

“We are actively engaged in legal actions contesting ownership claims in the area, particularly where reclamation and backfilling activities have been reported,” the LLDA said in a statement issued to The STAR.

Photos taken by The STAR showed the ongoing reclamation activities in the country’s largest freshwater lake.

“LLDA is aware of the reclamation activities occurring along C6 Road, undertaken by both local government units (LGUs) and private entities and individuals. We acknowledge the concerns raised about the potential adverse effects of these activities on the ecological balance and water supply in the region,” the agency said.

It added that the LLDA board has imposed a moratorium on the issuance of Shoreland Development Clearance in recognition of the need for enhanced regulatory measures.

“This moratorium is in effect pending the finalization of the Revised Rules and Regulations on Shoreland Management. This measure underscores our commitment to ensuring that any development activities along the lake’s shoreland area adhere to strict environmental standards and sustainable land use practices,” the statement read.

An attached agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the LLDA said that it takes the position of the DENR that all illegal and non-permitted reclamation projects are to be forfeited in favor of the state, regardless of the parties who undertook the project.

Fishers’ group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) asked DENR to issue a cease and desist order amid the ongoing reclamation projects in Laguna de Bay.

“There are many illegal reclamation projects. These are illegal as they are operating without permits,” Pamalakaya chairman Fernando Hicap told The STAR.

He noted that ongoing reclamation include Muntinlupa, Taguig City, Angono, Rizal and Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

In Angono and Taguig City alone, the reclamation covered at least two kilometers and 10 hectares, respectively, he said.

“In Angono, the LGU cited its land area is small and justified the reclamation to widen its area as a requirement for cityhood,” Hicap said.

He said reclamation activities in Taguig even resulted in fishkill. “The practice in the reclamation includes garbage being dumped and covered with soil, causing fishkill,” he noted.

“It will no longer become a major source of fish amid the deterioration of Laguna de Bay,” Hicap said, adding that fishermen already complain that their fish catch is only sold between P35 and P40 per kilo.

“The fish (from Laguna de Bay) are sold at very low prices. Fish from fishpond, fish cages ranged between P70 and P80 per kilo compared to the fish catch of small fishers of only P35 to P40 per kilo,” he said.

Laguna Lake produces as much as 90,000 tons of fresh water fish a year and provides livelihood to about 13,000 fishermen. It remains a major source of protein for millions of residents of Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Aside from aquaculture, Laguna Lake is also used for navigation, power generation, water supply and recreation.