DENR defends LLDA on lake sharing

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) defended yesterday the decision of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) to increase the share of commercial operators in Laguna de Bay, saying it was the local government units who recommended to President Marcos the modification in the sharing agreement as small fisherfolk could not meet the required supply of fish.

Documents obtained by The STAR showed that the reduced share of fishermen in the 9,200-hectare Laguna de Bay to 53 percent from 60 percent was in compliance with the directive of Marcos following a meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC).

During the meeting, the DENR said Marcos approved the increase to the allocated area intended for aquaculture operation to 50 hectares from the previous 25 hectares.

“The President’s directive increasing the 25 hectares to 50 hectares is basically the reallocation and resumption of operations of the previously reduced fishmen area by old or existing fishmen permit holders,” the DENR said.

The LLDA board originally set a 60-40 percent sharing of the 9,200-hectare allocation for aquaculture operations in Laguna de Bay.

In Board Resolution No. 2024-656 published in The STAR, the LLDA cited the result of the board’s first regular meeting on Jan. 24, which amended BR 540 issued in 2018.

This means the area allocation for small fisherfolk is down to 4,876 hectares from the previous 5,520 hectares.

Private operators now have 4,324 hectares from the previous 3,680 hectares.

The DENR cited the importance of aquaculture operations in Laguna de Bay, adding that the bay contributes to fish production, income, employment and generation of revenues.

“The total fisheries production of Laguna de Bay from both capture fisheries and aquaculture used to supply more than two-thirds of the freshwater requirement of Metro Manila and adjoining provinces,” the DENR said.