by Susan Maligalig
01-December-2009
Laguna Lake is sick - with its murky water, indicating high siltation, and diminishing biodiversity. Being the largest lake in the Philippines and the third freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, it provides livelihoods to more than 8 million people on communities along its periphery. The recent typhoon duo of Ondoy and Pepeng caused an unprecedented rise in the lake’s water level of 13.81 meters from its normal level of 12.5 meters (http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2009/1017_legarda2.asp).
To address issues and concerns relating to the lake’s well-being, the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) continuously implements rehabilitation program, education, and communication campaigns. In October this year, LLDA hosted the Environment Practitioner’s Summit in the Laguna de Bay Region at the Splash Mountain Resort, Los Baños, Laguna. The summit brought in representatives from government agencies, local government units, environmental planners, and planning officers from private companies surrounding the lake.
Another group that has been inspired by LLDA to take action in favor of the lake is the Sagip Ilog ng Bae, Calauan at Alaminos (SIBCAFI). In collaboration with LLDA’s Community Development Division (LLDA-CDD) and the Laguna Provincial Peace and Order (LPPOO), SIBCAFI sponsored the “Dialogue Towards Adaptation for Global Climate Change,” last 20 November, 2009 at the LLDA Conference Room in Calauan, Laguna. The organizers are pushing for a consolidated advocacy for public-private/civil society partnership to address the emerging needs and development concerns of Laguna Lake in a rationale manner and knowledge-based. On-going efforts, as offshoots of this dialogue, include:
1. seeking a common understanding about global climate change;
2. identifying programs of action on climate change adaptation;
3. identifying the stakeholders involved;
4. coming up with policy and research initiatives to address climate change;
5. soliciting commitment from concerned agencies/institutions to support climate change adaptation and mitigation; and
6. allocating resources for various programs, projects and activities.
Partnerships among stakeholders would definitely go a long way in rehabilitating and restoring Laguna Lake to its productive state (photo downloaded from http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=296936&page=4 ).
For further information please contact us at the following numbers:
Joey Cariño (LLDA) -049-568-0099/Susan Maligalig (SIBCAFI) -09189122161/ Dave R. L.Cruz (PPOO) -09209891027
