By Perry Gil S. Mallari Reporter
source:  http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/sunday-times/5020-southeast-asian-nations-conference-on-biodiversity-2009-

Paradigms from the Philippines

Dr. Rodel Lasco, senior scientist and country program coordinator for the World Agroforestry Centre reported on the unique ecosystem rehabilitation initiatives in the Philippines. Lasco first mentioned the gains of initiatives in Albay province, which is known as an entry point of most tropical cyclones visiting the country. He said that maintaining and restoring the natural infrastructure of the province is a good ecosystem rehabilitation strategy. The rehabilitation initiative encompasses water recharge, clean up of rivers as well as planting of mangrove forests as safety barriers and coastal defense.

Another interesting feature of Lasco’s report is his mentioning of the unique examples of indigenous tribes in the rehabilitation and management of the ecosystem. He revealed that the Ikalahans of Northern Luzon has a food-processing center established since the 1980s. The facility processes products from the wild and has been a regular source of livelihood for the tribe through the years. Lasco also cited the role of policy making in the harvesting of resources, land use classification and the declaration of sanctuary areas in protecting the ecosystem of the location.

The scientist was equally impressed with the muyong, a traditional Ifugao way of tending the forest. A muyong, is a forest holding, which is a source of water for the rice fields. Besides irrigating crops, the muyong prevents soil erosion and is an important source of food, lumber and medicine for the Ifugaos.

The muyong was said to be the secret behind the longevity of the Banawe Rice Terraces.

Finally, Lasco cited Mount Kitanlad in Bukidnon, which is the home of three indigenous tribes namely the Bukidnon, the Higaonon and the Talaandig. He emphasized that Mount Kitanlad is one of the most important biodiversity reserves in the Philippines. Lasco said that the three tribes mentioned are instrumental in maintaining the connectivity of the ecosystems in the area. This was accomplished by enabling indigenous and local communities to look after their own interest regarding access to genetic resources and the integrity of their traditional knowledge systems.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

San Pablo, Laguna - The City Tourism council of San Pablo featured the natural artistic beauty of the seven lakes for their coffee table book that will help the province of Laguna to be popularly known as “Laguna: The Blessed Province" and as one of eco-tourism destination in the Philippines.

The group of Seven Lakes Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (SLFARMC), City Tourism Council and some experts’ photographers from Manila was hired to initiate the said coffe table book.

The main objective of city tourism council is to enhance the natural resources of the said province and protects aquatic and marine lives in Seven Lakes that also serves as a livelihood program.

Aside from the Seven Lakes, people of Laguna are very proud to their own tourist destination such as Marilim Cave, Tarak and Lagaslas Falls.

“Maganda din na mapag aralan ng mga dalubhasa ang mga “flora and fauna species" sa pitong lawa upang malaman kung may natitira pang endangered, rare or threatened species sa lugar upang patuloy na maprotektahan ito para sa “biodiversity conservation" ng mga lawa." Donnalyn Eseo, city tourism officer said.

She added beside the common aquatic and marine lives they might also have endemic species that only exist in seven lakes such as Tawilis from Taal lakes and Sinarapan from Buhi Lake.

Fishermen from the said place are intensifying the campaign against illegal fish cages.

Beth Wagan from Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) said that they will conduct a monitoring team for the illegal cages and ensure its registration and taxes payment through notices starting this month of September

SOURCE:
http://networkedblogs.com/p13754816

http://www.malaya.com.ph/apr09/envi1.htm
February 10, 2009

RP river basins in dire need of rehab, says DENR

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By JOB REALUBIT

Environment Secretary Lito Atienza said that of the country’s 421 major rivers and 20 river basins, 50 are almost totally degraded while the rest are affected by partial degradation due to man’s neglect to protect them.

The Environment chief bared the sad state of the country’s bodies waters during a forum on Philippine rivers at the DENR office in Diliman, Quezon City where he enjoined everybody and as well as the different sectors of society to work together in cleaning up all rivers, lakes, streams and all areas where water freely flows.

"Naiintindihan natin na ang tubig ay isang yaman at buhay, ngunit marami sa ating mga kababayan ay hindi ganun ang pananaw hanggang sa ngayon. Para bagang napakabagal ang pagtanggap ng mga Pilipino sa pangangailangan sa pagprotekta at paglilinis ng ating mga ilog," Atienza said.

"We have to work together and do something in order to benefit from our bodies of water to attract development that is sustainable for our economy and our future," Atienza added.

During the forum, the DENR and the ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.-Bantay Kalikasan (AFI/BK), represented by its managing director Regina Paz L. Lopez, signed a memorandum of understanding for the rehabilitation and development of all river basins nationwide starting with the Metro Manila River Basin.

The Metro Manila river basin includes Manila Bay, Laguna Lake and Pasig River.

The DENR chief said the project will not only concentrate on the restoration of Pasig River but also on the restoration of both Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay because the waters coming from the two bays flow into the Pasig River.

"We have really to attend to the restoration of these three branches of waters to full health and make them fully beneficial to all of us because development can be sustained and economic gains attained if our bodies of water are finally restored to its pure, clear and pristine original water," Atienza said.

Under the MOU, DENR and AFI/BK vowed to work together to undertake activities aimed at improving the water quality of the river basin to the Class "C" level.

Atienza said Class "C" water quality can be used as fishery water for the propagation and growth of fish and other aquatic resources, as recreational water class II for boating, among others, and as industrial water supply class I for manufacturing processes after treatment.

The DENR and AFI/BK also agreed to work together to clear and protect the river basins’ easements or embankments, to resettle all informal dwellers in the area, to implement ecological urban planning and to improve the water navigation in the area.

The DENR and AFI/BK, under the agreement, also vowed to coordinate with other concerned agencies in an effort to reduce and abate pollution in all the rivers utilizing community participation, to appropriate available technologies and to improve enforcement and monitoring.

Atienza also said that DENR and AFI/BK will implement a strong tri-media advocacy program in order to stress the importance of clean water as a resource and ecological management of wastewater.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=416520&publicationSubCategoryId=66

By Katherine G. Adraneda Updated November 19, 2008 12:00 AM

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza accused the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) of “deliberately stalling” the demolition of illegal structures at Laguna Lake.

This as the DENR chief scored the “open defiance” of the LLDA to his plan of a massive and systematic dismantling of the illegal fishpens, which have been blamed for the rapid deterioration of the largest inland freshwater lake in the country.

“We have repeatedly asked the LLDA to intensify the dismantling of illegal structures in Laguna Lake. But it seems they have done nothing but to delay the clearing-up work. Now it appears that they are asserting their authority over all the activities in the lake, including our right to protect the lake’s environment from pollution and degradation,” Atienza pointed out. “This is a clear case of stalling the fishpen demolition,” he also said.

Atienza cited a letter addressed to him by LLDA general manager Edgardo Manda dated Aug. 25, informing the DENR chief that the LLDA has the “exclusive jurisdiction” over the dismantling of structures at Laguna Lake.

The same letter, Atienza added, also asserted that such authority of the LLDA “prevails over and above the mandates and functions of different line departments and regional agencies/offices operating under their own enabling law/charters dealing with environmental and natural resources management.”

But Atienza insisted that the DENR has an authority over the LLDA, noting Executive Order (EO) 149, which was issued by former President Fidel Ramos.

At the same time, Atienza accused Manda of “double talk” for always claiming to be undertaking actions related to the clearing operations at Laguna Lake, even if significant results are still considered lacking, as LLDA’s move remain too slow.

During a joint inspection of the Laguna Lake recently, Manda assured Atienza that the illegal fishpens in the area would be removed. Manda also reported to Atienza that the LLDA has stopped issuing new fishpen permits as well as renewing lapsed fish pen permits since the start of the year.

However, Atienza observed that more than 40 percent of the lake, which has a surface area of up to 949 square-kilometers, are still “choked by fishpens,” which is clearly contrary to the LLDA’s charter, mandating the agency to only allow 10 percent of the lake to be occupied by fish pens.

Atienza maintained that Laguna Lake must be liberated from the massive illegal fish pens because the unhampered operations of big-time fishpen owners contribute greatly to the speedy degradation of the lake.

http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20080221117498.html
Manila Bulletin
21 February 2008 | 1:50 AM

Atienza bares deadline at forum in historic Manila Hotel By ROY C. SINFUEGO Fishpens and fish cages in Laguna de Bay and Taal Lake have just one more year to operate, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Joselito Atienza Jr. said.

The secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources made the announcement at the regular "Kapihan sa Maynila" forum held last Monday at the Cafe Roma of the historic landmark Manila Hotel.

Secretary Atienza said that not only fish cages in Laguna de Bay and Taal Lake will be dismantled but also fishpens in other bodies of water in the country.

He noted that the fishpens and fish cages not only cause navigational obstruction but also serious pollution of the water beds.

Atienza said that he had directed the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) to desist from further renewing or issuing fishpen permits. He issued the same directive to the other agencies of the DENR department nationwide.

"Our target is to remove and clear our waters of fishpens in one year if we want our environment, our marine life save from total destruction caused by these structures." Atienza said.

He cited particularly Laguna de Bay and Taal Lake which, he said, are on the brink of environmental disaster, citing the need to to give priority concern to the problem.

He asked the concerned government agencies communities to help in the campaign.

Some fish species in Laguna de Bay, particularly banak and kanduli, and in Taal Lake, particularly maliputo, biya, and tawilis, have been diminishing due to water serious pollution of the two water bodies, Atienza said.

Atienza also noted the unabated construction of fish cages in the sea near the coastal areas of Cavite, saying these are now getting closer to the boundary of the Pasay City reclamation area and Manila Bay whose water is also heavily polluted.

"DENR will be pursuing tremendous campaigns and programs to save our environment by saving and clearing specific areas that threaten the environment and lives of the people of populated urban centers not only Metro Manila but also in other urban centers of the country," he also said.

source:  http://www.wepa-db.net/pdf/0810forum/paper12.pdf

Lake Water Quality Management - Laguna Lake is one of Southeast Asia’s largest inland water bodies. Since its establishment in 1966 through RA 4850, the LLDA has been protecting and preserving the quality of the Lake as well as the 21 river systems that flow into it. The holistic and integrated approach that LLDA is implementing not only reduces pollution draining into the lake and improves lake water quality but also becomes the benchmark in water quality management. Some of the best practices that LLDA carries out include: (a) Controlling point source of pollution through the EUFS – A market-based instrument that encourages companies to invest in and operate pollution prevention/abatement systems within their establishment. Applying the “Polluter Pay Principle”, the system provides direct accountability for damage inflicted to the Lake. Since the implementation of EUFS in 1997, the LLDA observed decreasing annual BOD loadings from 5,402 MT in 1997 to 193 MT in 2004 (Figure 21) generated by 222 firms; (b) Cleaning up river system by creating additional livelihood – Tagged as ‘Environmental Army”, this group convenes monthly to haul out wastes from various rivers in the Lake’s basin. Once biodegradable river wastes are collected, these are fed into drum kilns, until they are carbonized and later pulverized. The carbon particles are then mixed with a binder and pressed into their final shape and form. After which, these are dried, packed, and sold for PhP15/pack of 25 pieces. The briquette-shaped charcoal is more solid and slower to burn than the flake-shaped charcoal being sold commercially. It provides livelihood to poor fisherfolk and creates opportunities for small business enterprises around the Laguna Lake Region, in the provinces of Rizal and Laguna, and in Metro Manila. Though the project offers a host of environmental benefits and provides livelihood opportunities for the marginalized sectors, marketability of the briquettes has become a stumbling block for the project’s sustainability. Local acceptability and finding potential investors are some of the issues that have to be solved. However, despite the set-back in the marketability of the converted wastes, the environmental army initiative on river clean-up has created an advocacy among the communities to take active roles in river/lake rehabilitation.

 

1. FSLF gave 10 bags of groceries on Dec, 22, 2007 as Christmas gifts to the 10 families who recently moved from their dwelling along Sampaloc Lake to the Gawad Kalinga (GK) Unityville I.  This was at a cost of P300/bag.  In addition, new FSLF members Bobby and Kathy Chan also donated loaves of bread to all GK residents.
2. FSLF is requesting for a conference with GK local officials to explore alternatives to the sluggish housing construction problems.  FSLF is looking at the idea of possibly revisiting the exclusivity agreement for building homes between GK and the LGU at the GK Unityville site. FSLF will recommend that beneficiaries will be allowed to build their own homes on their assigned lots (within a set guidelines, yet to be established).  
3. FSLF contributed P1,000 to GK daycare fieldtrip to Avalon Zoo.
4. FSLF members participated in a Tanggol Kalikasan (TK)-led summit.  TK invited stakeholders and had a consensus-building meeting at Siesta Residencia de Arago. The summit participants identified problems and possible actions
5. There are already plans to build a boardwalk along Sampaloc Lake by the LGU without the knowledge of LLDA officials.  FSLF will schedule a meeting with all the concerned citizens to look into lakes issues.  This may include a briefing on Cong. Ivy Arago’s proposed Congressional bill to remove the seven lakes from under LLDA’s authority.
6. Dr. Rodel Lasco* has agreed to served as member-consutant for FSLF efforts to protect our lakes.

* Dr. Rodel D. Lasco, 2007 Nobel Peace Prize awardee as one of the coordinating lead authors of the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)

 

Report to the FSLF Members

December 2, 2007

 

1.  We had several meetings with LLDA through 2006-2007, two of which were attended by LLDA GM Ynares – one at his Pasig office and the other here in San Pablo. 

Discussed were:

1. Orders for the demolition of illegal structures and reduction of fishcages;  The demolition was carried earlier this year.

 

2.  Inclusion of FSLF as a member of the River Council; This remains unresolved.

 

3.  Associate membership to the Living Lakes Association; Still waiting on the CLEAR tripartite to endorse it to the Association.  LLDA says there is no objection from any of the tripartite members.

 

4.  Presence of LLDA representatives in San Pablo City at least twice a week;  They said they would do this, but at the last meeting they said they do not have enough personnel.

 

5.  Deputization of FSLF to monitor and report illegal activities; No action on this.

 

6.  Reevaluation of the Zonal Development Masterplan for Sampaloc Lake. Guidelines for the mini parks were for approval by LGU (engineering) with final approval by LLDA. Arrangement of floating fishcages are still under evaluation.  We suggested that they be numbered for monitoring and control.  Proposal was taken but not action yet.

 

 

2. We were also invited to join an LLDA meeting in Tagaytay at which various issues pertaining to the lakes were discussed.  At the same meeting we applied to become a member of the River Councils, but this remains unresolved (Aug 2006)

 

3. Also joined the Laguna de Bay Environmental Action Planning (LEAP) for the 7 lakes and watershed in Calauan, Laguna (Aug 2007)

 

 

3. Participated in Tanggol Kalikasan workshop on consensus building. (Nov 2007)

 

4. Met with LGU and concerned citizens (May 2007) on proliferation of algal bloom aggravated by high levels of coliform and e-coli.  It died a natural death when the unpleasant smell diminished.

 

5. Gawad Kalinga Unityville:

1. FSLF Facilitated $500 donation from St Charles Borromeo Parish in Arlington, Virginia. (Feb 2007)

 

2. Donated P1000 for the daycare fieldtrip transportation (Nov 2007)

 

3. Preparing 10 Christmas baskets for ten families who recently moved to the GK relocation site after the demolition. (Dec 2007)

 

6. Co-wrote with LLDA the Action Report on the Seven Crater Lakes, which was published by the International Lake Environment Committee (ILEC) (Aug 2006)

 

Report of the FSLF Kids and Youth (Dec. 2, 2007)

 

Children’s Science Interactive Workshop:

FSLF Kids participated in the CSIW Iloilo (Oct 2006) and CSIW Pangasinan (Oct 2007) and came home with several medals.  Eleven children joined the 2006 CSIW on Physics and twenty-three participated in the 2007 CSIW on Chemistry.  One of our FSLF Kids placed third over-all in the Science Quiz Bee (Edward Macasadia)

 

The FSLF Youth participated in the M2K camp held at the Malabanban Watershed in December 2006. 

 

The FSLF Kids and Youth held the annual Mini Eco-Camp (April 2007).

 

The FSLF Youth conducted a survival camp at Bukid Garden (June 2007).

 

Conducted a 7 lakes eco-tour to familiarize children with the seven lakes (Sept 2007)

 

Set up Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in the Mini Park. Maintained and cleaned the park. (Aug 2007)

 

The FSLF Youth and Kids were chosen to the Philippine launch of the song “WE RISE”, the UNICEF signature song on water and the environment written by Fil-Am Gemma Bulos.  The song was performed at the DENR building during the celebration of World Water Day at the Philippine Water Summit (March 25, 2007).

 

 

Three FSLF Youth groups submitted projects to the Volvo Adventure competition (December 2006).  All projects were recycling projects, which the children wanted to undertake for the community.

 

The FSLF Youth participated in two CLEAR camps in October 2006 and September 2007.  The youth members joined students and out-of-school youth in the Kilos Kabataan para sa Kalikasan in San Pablo City and the follow-up camp in Los Banos.  The FSLF Youth are coordinating a water testing project with CLEAR and DOST.

 

The FSLF Youth are also negotiating funding with both UNICEF and Unilever for recycling, water testing and media projects. The Youth and Kids conducted several treeplanting activities at Malabanban Watershed. They are also coordinating with the Philippine Coconut Authority to conduct tree planting activities.

 

2007 International Conferences:

 

Agua y Juventud in Buenos Aires, Argentina (April 2006) was attended by Rocsann Villegas and Nitoy Azores.  Rocsann made a presentation about the Philippine children’s environment movement.

 

At the TUNZA 2006 in Putrajaya, Malaysia (July 2006), Sam Loyola was sole FSLF delegate in a conference of 200 children. He was elected as UNEP’s Choice to the Junior Board that is preparing for the TUNZA 2008 in Norway.  As part of the preparations for Norway, Sam also attended the 2007 World Environment Day in Norway (July 2007).

 

At UNICEF-BioVision Life Sciences Forum in Lyon, France (March 2007), Maia Azores was one of ten children from ten developing countries. She was chosen to present the Call to Action to the BioVision Forum attended by 4,000 adults including several Nobel Peace Prize laureates.