Arroyo orders cooperative rehab 

of Laguna Lake

Tempo

by:  Emily G. Bugarin

June 16, 2008

President Arroyo has urged for a strong cooperation among government agencies and other stakeholders in the cleaning up of the Laguna Lake to restore its status as "a source of life and livelihood".

The President directed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to boost linkage with Laguna de Bay fisherfolk in rehabilitating the lake that is so vital to Metro Manila and adjacent provinces.

"Rehabilitating the lake will directly benefit the residents in the surrounding areas," Mrs. Arroyo emphasized.

In line with the President's directive, Environment Secretary Lito Atienza said that cleaning Laguna Lake will not only augment fish catch of fishermen but also give livelihood to the families living around the lake.

A study conducted by the the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) showed that Metro Manila gets 30% of its supply of milkfish (bangus) and tilapia from Laguna de Bay." .