Vol. XXI, No. 224 [ BusinessWorld Online ]
Monday, June 16, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to strengthen links with Laguna de Bay fisherfolk to ensure the lake’s cleanliness.
In a statement, the President noted that rehabilitating the lake will benefit residents in surrounding areas who regard it is a source of livelihood.
"The bottom line is, rehabilitating the lake will directly benefit the residents in the surrounding areas," Mrs. Arroyo said.
A study by the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) showed that Metro Manila sources 30% of its supply of milkfish and tilapia from Laguna de Bay. Aquaculture production of the lake stands at 85,000 metric tons annually.
The study also estimated that around 18,000 fishermen and 76,000 families who depend on the lake for their livelihood are experiencing "economic hardship" due to lower fish catch.
In the same statement, Environment Secretary Jose L. Atienza, Jr. said one of the factors that led to the degradation of Laguna lake is the existence of fish pens and cages.
He said these structures occupied about half of the 90,000-hectare lake.
Mr. Atienza vowed to demolish the structures to rehabilitate the lake. The clearing operation will take about two years to complete, he added.
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