Signing of "ISDA SA LAWA" Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
The Laguna Lake
Development Authority (LLDA) has signed a Memorandum of
Agreement (MOA) with the University of the Philippines Los
Banos Foundation, Inc. on a project dubbed as Institutional
Strategic and Developmental Agreement on Laguna Lake Water
or ISDA sa LAWA aimed at developing/strengthening scientific
tools and approaches in the protection and sustainable
development of Laguna Lake and its environs.
Under the
terms of the agreement signed March 3, LLDA will extend Php
5.2 Million to UPLBFI as initial funding for the conduct of
scientific studies and socio-economic research for the
affected communities of Laguna Lake Region as well as
supplemental funding for the operation of the U.P. Limnology
Center in its efforts to bring back the indigenous fish
species of Laguna Lake.
LLDA
general manager Rod Cabrera said the partnership with UP Los
Banos is in line with the agency’s efforts to provide
comprehensive and scientific approaches to the management of
Laguna Lake. “We will tap the expertise of UPLB to bring
back the Lake’s native fish species such as ayungin and biya
and enhance Laguna Lake’s biodiversity and to identify
critical areas in the region where we can scientifically
address the watershed problem, said GM Cabrera.
“This
collaboration will greatly enhance the capability of the
agency to respond effectively to the ecological, economic,
sociological and cultural issues affecting Laguna Lake”,
Cabrera added.
The MOA was
signed by GM Cabrera and Dr. Liborio Cabanilla in behalf of
UPLB Chancellor Luis Rey Velasco. Witnessing the ceremony
are Representatives Dan Fernandez, Committee Chairman on
Ecology, Edgar San Luis, 4th District of Laguna Province and
Rodolfo Biazon, Lone District of Muntinlupa City.
