Koronadal City, South Cotabato — The South Cotabato Provincial Development Council–Economic Development Committee (PDC–EDC) convened its 2nd Quarter Regular Meeting on May 15, 2025, highlighting among its agenda the urgent environmental and policy concerns surrounding Lake Sebu. During the meeting, scientific findings were presented to provincial leaders and stakeholders.
The presentation was led by Dr. Jaime A. Namocatcat, Program Leader of the MinSuPala-IRDC of Mindanao State University – General Santos. The findings were part of the MinSuPala-IRDC Project, a DBM-funded consortium initiative and one of its several efforts aimed at assessing inland water bodies across Mindanao to support policy development and science-based environmental interventions.
Dr. Namocatcat’s presentation focused on the water quality status of Lake Sebu and outlined proposed policies for its conservation and protection. The study revealed that the lake is showing clear signs of ecological stress, such as thermal stratification, high turbidity, and low dissolved oxygen levels in nearshore areas. These factors have been identified as key contributors to the recurring fish kills observed in the lake, which in turn directly impact biodiversity, fisheries, and the livelihoods of the surrounding communities.
In response, the MSU-Gensan research team proposed a set of science-based policy interventions, anchored on the Philippine Fisheries Code, DENR Administrative Order 2016-08, and DOH Administrative Order 2017-0010. These proposals aim to strengthen environmental governance and ensure sustainable lake management. Some key policy recommendations include:
1. Amendment of the Municipal Fisheries Code, with a strong emphasis on the environmental compliance of fish cage operators;
2. Enactment of an ordinance establishing buffer zones to protect native and endemic species;
3. Implementation of a 10% lake surface utilization limit for aquaculture activities, in line with national policy; and
4. Gradual phase-out of aquaculture operations, with a plan to relocate fish cage activities to proposed inland fisheries areas.
The PDC–EDC welcomed the presentation and emphasized the importance of local research in guiding data-driven policy and evidence-based decision-making. Council members expressed strong support for integrating the recommendations into provincial development planning and ongoing conservation efforts.
In addition, the Council recommended the strengthening of inter-agency collaboration and the establishment of a technical working group (TWG) to coordinate responses to the environmental challenges facing Lake Sebu. The Council also endorsed presenting the study’s findings to the new administration of the Municipality of Lake Sebu to ensure alignment and support for implementation at the local level.
With the continuing support of the Department of Budget and Management and the leadership of MSU-Gensan through MinSuPala-IRDC, stakeholders hope to translate these scientific findings into practical, community-responsive policies that will sustain Lake Sebu’s ecological integrity and cultural value for generations to come.
