LAGUNA LAKE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Public Information Unit

634-5793

Press Release

Subject:  Public Disclosure Program for Laguna de Bay Region

Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) general manager Edgar C. Manda discloses today the 2006 environmental performance of the 61 LGUs (14 cities and 47 municipalities) around Laguna de Bay.  The Most Outstanding LGU on Environmental Performance (Dangal ng Lawa Award) in this year’s cycle is given to Sta Cruz, Laguna.  The following are given recognition on the successful implementation of their environmental programs and projects:

1.      Malvar, Batangas

2.      Teresa, Rizal

3.      Los Baños, Laguna

4.      City of Calamba, Laguna

5.      Quezon City

The LLDA’s PDP intends to recognize LGUs commendable effort in environmental governance and disgrace those LGUs who are remiss in their duties in environmental governance. Section 10 of RA 9003 states the role of LGUs in Solid Waste Management. Pursuant to the relevant provisions of R. A. No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code, the LGUs shall be primarily responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of R.A. 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Waste Management Act of 2000, within their respective jurisdictions. 

Earlier, in a series of consultation among LGUs, Manda expressed his concern over the continuous degradation of the lake.  He said that in 5 years time, Laguna Lake would die, if we do not take drastic steps to arrest its worsening condition.

This year’s PDP also reveals those LGUs keeping dumpsites, which is a prohibited act under RA 9003.

1.      Alaminos, Laguna

2.      Calauan, Laguna

3.      Liliw, Laguna (with Integrated Solid Waste Mgt under LISCOP)

4.      Kalayaan, Laguna (with Integrated Solid Waste Mgt under LISCOP)

5.      Mabitac, Laguna (with MRF under LISCOP)

6.      Pagsanjan, Laguna

7.      Binangonan, Rizal

8.      Cardona, Rizal

9.      Lucban, Quezon

10.    Sta Maria, Laguna 

There are those LGUs allowing indiscriminate waste disposal in tributaries leading to Laguna Lake.

1.      Pateros, Metro Manila

2.      San Pablo City, Laguna

3.      Taguig City

This year’s dishonorable awards, “NAKASUSULASOK AWARDS”, for the continuous existence of dumpsites in their jurisdiction which are located along the shores of Laguna Lake, are given to:

1.      Paete, Laguna

2.      Biñan, Laguna

3.      Angono, Rizal

4.      Taytay, Rizal

 These dumpsites along the shores are ecological time bombs, which if not given priority attention will result to tragedy of immeasurable magnitude.