DA moves to sustain Laguna Lake’s productivity

MANILA, Philippines — The government is drafting measures to maintain the productivity of Laguna Lake  for the benefit of fisherfolk and fishpen operators as well as of residents of Metro Manila.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) recently conducted a series of consultations to create a unified management strategy for the lake.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resurces Undersecretary Drusila Esther Bayate said the lake must continue to serve multiple national priorities simultaneously.

“We need to sustain the lake’s productivity to protect livelihoods, secure fish supply and maintain a dependable water source for Metro Manila,” Bayate said.

She said the lake supplies around 40 percent of Metro Manila’s bangus and tilapia needs, noting that a decline in production can push prices up.

Fisherfolk and fishpen operators proposed to keep floodgates open during the dry season to improve water quality and reduce incidents of fish kill and stunting.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has agreed to keep the floodgates open until the rainy season starts, to improve water flow.

Tiu Laurel said that Laguna Lake’s long-term sustainability depends on the cooperation among stakeholders.

He said there is a need for a better coordination among the DA, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Laguna Lake Development Authority, Philippine Coast Guard and the MMDA as well as water concessionaires in order to strenghten efforts intended to protect the lake.