Challenges in Managing the Seven Lakes
The challenge of conducting research
The constitutional mandates often differ from the actual roles a policy-making body performs due to the challenges that arise on the ground. According to LLDA, its function is mainly focused on the regulatory side. It is lacking in conducting research studies and experiments to improve existing aquaculture practices in partnership with the BFAR. Recently, LLDA has been creating partnerships with the academe and consolidating studies regarding the lakes, and as of now, BFAR has a recommended type of feeds (floaters), stocking density, and feeding ratio, but conclusive studies are yet to be conducted regarding these topics.
The challenge of disclosure of public information
Another challenge in management arises from the non-disclosure of water quality data and its impacts on stakeholders, as well as the breakdown of the 10% FARMC budget from LLDA given to the LGUs. Further, although the fisherfolk renew in LLDA every year, the study team failed to obtain the number of operators and fish cages registered annually from 1980 to 2023. The actual data would have been helpful in the development of the water evaluation and planning model. Still, since it was not disclosed, the study had to rely on stakeholders’ estimates and recollections. Lastly, only Pandin Lake’s DMP was on the LLDA website despite all seven lakes already having DMPs.
The challenge of physical distance
Due to its physical distance from the lakes, LLDA cannot immediately respond to fish kill events. In response, it attempted to train the members of the FARMC to collect water samples, but it also took time to bring the samples to LLDA’s laboratory in Quezon City. There was also difficulty with the annual fish cage and fish pen registration process since fisherfolks in San Pablo, Rizal, and Nagcarlan had to go on multiple trips to Quezon City due to computation issues.
The challenge of regular monitoring
BFAR recommended feeding requirements, stocking densities, and feed types. The problem is that BFAR and LLDA cannot monitor if these recommendations are being followed due to the lack of manpower and a high number of operators and fish cages. In Sampaloc, however, self-monitoring of these practices was encouraged. The MC 2017-03 states that “in the absence of a carrying capacity study that determines stocking density and feeding requirements, self-monitoring will be imposed on the allowable stocking density and feeding requirement until a conclusive study has been conducted. Only floating type fish feeds shall be allowed.” The LLDA has specific zoning guidelines for all the lakes, but this part was added to Sampaloc Lake since the LGU wants to fix the fish cages so that the lake can be used for other purposes like tourism.
San Pablo is crafting an ordinance requiring extruded floating feeds in the seven lakes. This is anchored on the ordinances of Taal Lake and Cavinti, which ban the use of sinker feeds since they are a significant contributor to lake pollution. Currently, there is no penalty for violating these regulations because violators are not monitored and reported.
The challenge of the public’s disconnectedness
The lack of waste segregation among households in the barangays surrounding the seven lakes, the solid waste and wastewater from households, and the resorts built within the easement of Yambo Lake are some of the issues that can be traced to the lack of public sentiment towards the lakes. Another problem is the continued use of sinker feeds that contribute to sedimentation, which affects depth, and eutrophication, which encourages the growth of water lilies and algae in the lakes.
If the public is informed on the effect of solid wastes, blackwater, and sinker feeds on the water quality and the impact of the water quality on their health and livelihood, this could sway public sentiment towards the conservation of the lakes and thus encourage waste segregation, backyard composting lake cleanups, and cooperation with the governing authority. In addition, public education on the comparison of feed conversion ratio (FCR) of sinkers versus floaters and possible sources of invasive species, among other topics, should be given priority so the locals and the public in general, including tourists, will be more involved in the conservation of the lakes.
The challenge of stakeholders’ division
Decision-making in the seven lakes is multisectoral. Although there are instances of project duplication between LLDA (river rehabilitation program—basin approach) and DENR (Linis Ilog), these projects eventually converge. Demolition of illegal infrastructure and tourism also requires the combined mandates of LLDA, BFAR, DENR, LGUs, FARMC, Bantay Lawa, locals, and NGOs.
However, a problem arises with the working relationship of NGOs with other stakeholders. In 2017, FSLF attempted to build a floating green filter in Sampaloc Lake, which surprised all other stakeholders despite FSLF claiming they consulted with them. This was immediately withdrawn due to the absence of approval by the LLDA. The technology came from FSLF’s Chinese partners and is a kind of bioremediation. LLDA wanted to give this a chance but with proper consultation. Currently, the project is pending budget approval with LLDA. This is just one of the instances in which the stakeholders of Sampaloc Lake showed an imaginary divide between the fishermen and an NGO.
Furthermore, the lack of public education on issues such as solid wastes and water quality, the effects of sinker feeds, and the source of invasive species, among other topics, contributes to the misinformation of the local fishermen and locals, who sometimes blame the authorities on these issues and vice versa.
The challenge of a limited budget for livelihood intervention and lake cleanup activities
Although BFAR offers a variety of livelihood intervention programs to fisherfolks, not everyone is given starting materials since the budget is limited. Another is the Php 5,000.00 annual budget LLDA gave FARMC for lake cleanup activities, which halted in 2015.