Drastic Measures Needed to Save Laguna de Bay

Experts’ Prognosis for Biological Life in Lawa ng Bae: Only Five Years to Go


The Laguna Lake Development Authority is currently spearheading a media campaign to encourage multi-sectoral commitment in its efforts to save Asia's second largest inland lake.

Representatives from various stakeholders comprising the government, NGO, church/ parish and fisherfolk sectors attended the LLDA's “3rd Annual learning Forum” last October 3, 2007. The highlight of the activity was a multi-media presentation of some notable conservation practices namely: the Solid Waste program of the Kilus Foundation, a waste recycling program in Barangay Teresa of Rizal, and the showing of an award-winning documentary on the state of Laguna Lake entitled “Lawa ng Bae” by up and coming filmmaker Donnie Sacueza.

Laguna Lake Development Authority General Manager Edgardo Manda emphasized the need for a multi-agency approach to address the numerous problems besetting Laguna lake. Based on a recent study and at the rate of its current deterioration, he said that the lake could be biologically-dead in five years time.

He said that a cohesive solution is needed to be derived from the much-needed participation of concerned agencies like the National Housing Authority, and the local government units of Pasig City and Rizal, portions of which are located along on the lakeshore.

At the moment, Manda said that around 80 hectares of shoreland are being occupied by illegal settlers numbering to about 25 thousand families. These makeshift houses do not have any kind of disposal or sewerage system and the people directly throw their garbage, and human wastes into the lake bed.

“The NHA must coordinate with our agency as soon as possible because it has the mandate and administrative jurisdiction to resolve concerns pertaining to illegal settlers,” he said.

As of date, the LLDA has succeeded in bringing down the volume of industrial wastes polluting the lake. From 85% in 1990, it was down to 22% in 2003. The problem now however, is the escalating volume of domestic wastes. The latest study showed that it is now the lake’s biggest pollutant comprising almost 75% of wastes thrown into the lake.

“Do you know that fish harvested from the lake was filled with toxic components? The latest study showed they contained lead, ammonia and mercury contaminants, which I presume are from batteries being thrown in the garbage.” Manda said.

In closing, Manda asked the help of media and all the concerned stakeholders to promote awareness on the unfortunate state of Laguna Lake. “Our lake is dying. In five years time, it could end up like the Pasig River. The time to start saving it is now.”