President Benigno S. Aquino III is leading today the
seeding of two million tilapia and big head carp
fingerlings in the fish sanctuary situated in Malaking
Pulo, Barangay Punta, Jalajala, Rizal off the waters of
Laguna de Bay.
With the theme, “Bringing Back the Lake’s Bountiful
Harvest”, the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA)
aims to revitalize the lake’s fishery resources through
this lake seeding to augment the livelihood of fishermen
around the Laguna de Bay Region.
Laguna de Bay has been the focus of attention by
government and various resource users due to its
economic importance and strategic value as source of
food and water for inhabitants of adjacent communities
including Metro Manila.
As of latest records, the lake fishery industry supplies
around 700,000 kilos per week of bangus and tilapia and
300,000 kilos per week of bighead carp to the National
Capital Region. However, gone were the days when Laguna
de Bay was home to premium species such as bia and
ayungin due to overfishing and proliferation of suro or
illegal fishing that use fine-mesh nets.
To help increase fishery catch in open fishing areas for
fisherfolks in the region, LLDA has designated fish
sanctuaries as protected areas where fish can grow
undisturbed. Under the 2020 Laguna de Bay Basin Master
Plan Framework, LLDA aims to bring the sanctuaries
closer to the community for its intended beneficiaries
and to have the communities’ direct involvement in lake
management, regulation and protection.
Likewise, the new master plan framework comprises
several projects for the advancement of the fisheries
such as the establishments of in-lake fish breeding
stations, a livelihood center, a pilot culture facility
for high value aquatic plants and the conduct of fish
dispersal program, freshwater mangrove reforestation,
fish stock assessment with measures to eradicate
invasive species, and the purchase of patrol boats for
surveillance.
The LLDA has also organized the Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources Management Council (FARMCs) in lakeshore
communities to help the Authority in the management of
the fisheries.
As expressed by LLDA General Manager Rod Cabrera, “We
hope to develop Laguna de Bay to reach its fullest
potential for the betterment of the lives of people who
depend on its resources, especially among the
underprivileged and marginalized.”
The President is accompanied by high-ranking government
officials including Environment and Natural Resources
Secretary Ramon Paje, Agriculture Secretary Proceso
Alcala, LLDA GM Rod Cabrera, Governor ER Ejercito of
Laguna, Gov. Jun Ynares of Rizal, Congressman Joel Roy
Duavit, Cong. Edgar San Luis, Mayor Elionor Pillas of
Jalajala Rizal, congressmen, mayors, barangay leaders
and members of FARMC and other fisherfolk organizations.
