Laguna lake is not for tourism or big business

This is in reaction to the news item titled “P-Noy OKs P123-B Laguna Lake road dike, 2 other PPP projects” (Front page, 6/21/14).  The report stated that the expressway dike project is “much awaited” and that it would mitigate flooding in coastal communities along Laguna Lake. I say, the fisher folk and communities living along the Laguna Lake shoreline are against the construction of the dike.

The project was approved without properly consulting the affected communities. There were no public hearings conducted, and only selected individuals, fish cage operators and local government officials were invited to the consultations held.

Also, we fear the possible impact of the project on the environment, on the lake’s ecosystem, on the livelihood of the small fisher folk, on the farmers and communities living along its shoreline.

It is of utmost importance that public hearings and consultations be conducted before the approval of a project, specifically one that can have a massive impact on the people and the environment. All, and I mean all of the cities and municipalities in Laguna province, must be consulted because any changes within the Laguna Lake will affect the lives of the people living in these areas.

We appeal to President Aquino and to our local officials to consider our proposed solutions to the flooding that affects us. A viaduct may be an alternative, or raising the level of land in the flooded communities wherein the people themselves will benefit without disturbing the ecosystem of the lake. It is also  time to demolish illegal structures such as fish pens and fish cages of big personalities and selected individuals. The Laguna Lake Development Authority should also be reminded that its primary duty is to protect the lake and not just an agency that collects fees from big businesses and industries.

“Ang Lawa ng Laguna ay buhay, kabuhayan at daluyan ng pangarap ng mga maliliit na mangingisda.” (Laguna Lake is the life and livelihood, and vein through which the hopes of small fishermen flow.  It should be protected and conserved for future generations. It is not for tourism purposes nor for big businesses and industries.

—JACINTO “SESENG” ALMODOVAR,

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