Agri chief eyes Laguna Lake as major source for fish production
At A Glance
- Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. wants the Laguna de Bay as a major source of fish production for Metro Manila and the provinces surrounding the lake.<br>According to the DA, Laguna Lake could help produce more food at a lower price.<br>The agriculture sector must discuss their production plans first with the chairman of Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga.<br>The 940-square-kilometer lake has over 90,000 tons of freshwater fish produced every year, and makes up 13,000 of fishermen's livelihood.<br>Various aquaculture associations seek the DA's power to address the issue of the increasing fingerlings in fish pens, the low introduction of salt water that is supposed to be vital in producing bangus, and the reintroduction of fresh water.<br>Laurel also ordered the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to do necessary water testing activities and studies around Laguna Lake to make it a viable major food source for Metro Manila and other neighboring provinces.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is eyeing the Laguna de Bay as a major source of fish production for Metro Manila and the provinces surrounding the lake.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. said in a statement on Thursday, Jan. 18, that Laguna Lake could help produce more food at a lower price as it is the largest freshwater lake in the Philippines.
“For example, [we need to] bring back bangus prices to P50-P70 per kilo,” he declared.
“Maximizing the aquaculture potential of Laguna Lake is essential to achieving that goal. If we can add more capacity, then let’s do it,” he added.
Laurel will then meet with the chairman of Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga to talk about the DA’s plans for the area.
According to LLDA, the 940-square-kilometer lake has over 90,000 tons of freshwater fish produced every year, and makes up 13,000 of fishermen’s livelihood.
The LLDA is a quasi-governmental agency that has authority over the Laguna Lake.
Moreover, the DA received calls for help from various aquaculture associations to address the issue of the increasing fingerlings in fish pens, the low introduction of salt water that is supposed to be vital in producing bangus, and the reintroduction of fresh water.
The fish pen operators also said that the last time saltwater entered the lake was back in 2022 and that there haven’t been any yearly flood gate reopening lately.
Because of this, the DA and LLDA will discuss the opening of floodgates further, to reintroduce fresh and saltwater needed for a boosted aquaculture.
Meanwhile, the Agriculture Chief directed the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to quarterly test the lake’s water quality and conduct a study on its capacity.
The LLDA made a zoning and management plan that allowed 10,000 hectares of Laguna Lake for fish pen operations back in 1999.
The plan also allowed 5,000 hectares for the fish cages and fish sanctuary, navigational lanes, as well as open fishing.
The agriculture sector has also noted that pollution is the modern issue the lake is facing as it continues to threaten Laguna de Bay as a large fish production source.
“Laguna Lake commonly produces the commercial fish like white goby, mudfish, ayungin, bangus, catfish, kanduli, tilapia, and the common carp,” the DA said.