In the current climate crisis, we need to protect our natural resources because they will be our ultimate source of adaptation to the changing climate. However, despite these dire situations, the government and its agencies continue to allow, or at times have a very slow response time in acting against projects that endanger the environment, and in this case the reclamation of Laguna Lake.
The reclamation projects need not only be stopped but the perpetrators of these projects including government employees and officials must be prosecuted and must answer to the people. I admire the strong commitment of the people behind this complaint, and I am hoping that they will be successful.
David D'Angelo
Boses Ng Kalikasan
Fisherfolks file complaint to stop reclamation in Laguna De Bay, lake and livelihoods at risk
In their letter, the fisherfolk expressed that they should have been included in discussions about these reclamation projects. Their demands to the LLDA include an investigation of the reclamation activities and a disclosure of its results, the issuance of a cease-and-desist order of reclamation projects during said investigation, and the rehabilitation of affected areas. [Click here to read the scanned copy of the letter]
“Ang daming reklamasyon sa lawa na hindi namin alam para saan. Pero iisa ang tiyak – kaming mga mangingisda ang talo kapag nagtuloy-tuloy ang mga ganitong proyekto. Sa pagliit ng espasyo na pwede naming pangisdaan, lumiliit din ang ang aming kabuhayan,” said Sonny San Jose, Chairman of Rizal FARMC.
The complaint culminated from mounting concerns over the continuing reclamation projects across Laguna Lake. Among the affected areas are Taytay, Binangonan, and Angono, where fisherfolk struggle with significantly restricted fishing spaces.
“Land reclamation has long-term effects on the lake’s ecosystem. By extension, this affects the lives of the fisherfolk and communities who are part of this ecosystem. This threatens their water supply, food, and livelihood. Kapag tinambakan ang lawa, tayo ang kawawa.,” lamented Aaron Pedrosa, counsel for the affected fisherfolk and Secretary-General of Sanlakas.
Ian Rivera, National Coordinator of PMCJ, spoke more on the implications of the climate emergency, “Flooding will also worsen as more of the lake is converted to land. The natural role of the lake as a catch basin will be affected. This impact should have been demonstrated if the Environmental Impact Statement was conducted. With the climate crisis bringing stronger storms and heavier rains, this can only mean disaster for the people living around the lake.”
Currently, there are around 22 reclamation projects planned throughout Laguna Lake, despite a mandate to protect the lake and a suspension order on said reclamation. This has affected more than 13,000 fisherfolk in Rizal, Laguna, and Metro Manila who depend on the lake to sustain their families. At least five large-scale projects have been approved, including the Pasig River Expressway Project (PAREX).
“Dekada na naming inilalaban ang aming karapatan sa lupa dito sa Lupang Arenda. Hanggang ngayon ay tila hinaharang ng LLDA ang katuparan nito, kesyo mababa raw ang aming lugar at di angkop tirahan ng tao. Pero panay naman ang pagpayag nila sa mga proyekto gaya ng PAREX na makakasama sa lawa at sa tao,” said Enteng Barlos, President of APOLA of Taytay, one of the directly affected communities of PAREX.
Per the complaint, an official response from LLDA should be issued within 7 business days. FARMC and groups opposed to the reclamation hope for a swift end to the projects so that Laguna Lake and its surrounding communities can thrive.
[This is a Press Release from Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ)
Contact: Raymond Ruedas (mediacommunications@climatejustice.ph) 09274382015]
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