Oct. 14, MAKATI CITY - In a forum conducted yesterday, October 14, 2008 by the Laguna Lake Development Authority, the very survival of the lake itself lies at stake.
Dubbed with the theme “Sustain the protection of Laguna de Bay”, the forum was attended by stakeholders consisting of NGOs, Church representatives, students, and the Laguna de Bay fisher folk and residents.
The meeting exposed an urgent concern to address the problem surrounding Laguna de Bay which would serve as the next basin of potable living water for the exploding number of residents all around it – especially Metro Manila which comprises 40% of the entire population, and is still growing.
Hon. Edgardo C. Ana, LLDA general manager underscored the need to conduct a massive information campaign to stop further polluting the lake.
Meanwhile, Ericson Caridad of the Ayala Land Inc. explained that the water coming in and out of Ayala Alabang Village is already coming from Laguna de Bay. They are also maintaining a treatment center to clean the water flowing back to the lake.
On the other hand, Ronald Muana of the Manila Water Co., Inc. revealed massive plans to centralize the sewerage system of Metro Manila homes to treat used water and help conserve the cleanliness of Laguna de Bay.
The Laguna de Bay Strengthening and Community Participation Project (LISCOP) reported constructing multi-million peso Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) which would also reduce pollution in the forested areas and open them as eco-tourism places.
The public commented that the LISCOP budget could have been shared with the present problem confronting Laguna de Bay which continues to be subjected to pollution by residents and companies throwing garbage at it.
The organizers also accepted this limitation and appealed to the stakeholders for more collaboration and participation.
(Fr. Joselito Jopson, minister of Media and public affairs)
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