Quezon City, Philippines—Fisherfolks led by the Rizal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management
Council (FARMC) filed a formal complaint today to suspend reclamation activities in Laguna De Bay.

Groups including the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), Sanlakas Rizal, and the Alliance of Unified People’s Organization in Lupang Arenda (APOLA) joined the protest held in front of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) national office.

In their letter, the fisherfolk expressed that they should have been included in discussions about these reclamation projects. Their demands to the LLDA include an investigation on the reclamation activities and a disclosure of its results, the issuance of a cease-and-desist order of reclamation projects during said investigation, and the rehabilitation of affected areas.

“Ang daming reklamasyon sa lawa na hindi namin alam para saan. Pero iisa ang tiyak – kaming mga
mangingisda ang talo kapag nagtuloy-tuloy ang mga ganitong proyekto. Sa pagliit ng espasyo na pwede naming pangisdaan, lumiliit din ang ang aming kabuhayan,” said Sonny San Jose, Chairman of Rizal FARMC.

The complaint culminated from mounting concerns over the continuing reclamation projects across
Laguna Lake. Among the affected areas are Taytay, Binangonan, and Angono, where fisherfolk struggle with significantly restricted fishing spaces.

“Land reclamation has long-term effects on the lake’s ecosystem. By extension, this affects the lives of the fisherfolk and communities who are part of this ecosystem. This threatens their water supply, food, and livelihood. Kapag tinambakan ang lawa, tayo ang kawawa.,” lamented Aaron Pedrosa, counsel for the affected fisherfolk and Secretary-General of Sanlakas.

Ian Rivera, National Coordinator of PMCJ, spoke more on the implications on the climate emergency,
“Flooding will also worsen as more of the lake is converted to land. The natural role of the lake as a catch basin will be affected. This impact should have been demonstrated if the Environmental Impact Statement was conducted. With the climate crisis bringing stronger storms and heavier rains, this can only mean disaster for the people living around the lake.”

Currently, there are around 22 reclamation projects planned throughout Laguna Lake, despite a mandate to protect the lake and a suspension order on said reclamation. This has affected more than 13,000 fisherfolk in Rizal, Laguna, and Metro Manila who depend on the lake to sustain their families. At least five large-scale projects have been approved, including the Pasig River Expressway Project (PAREX).

“Dekada na naming inilalaban ang aming karapatan sa lupa dito sa Lupang Arenda. Hanggang ngayon ay
tila hinaharang ng LLDA ang katuparan nito, kesyo mababa raw ang aming lugar at di angkop tirahan ng tao. Pero panay naman ang pagpayag nila sa mga proyekto gaya ng PAREX na makakasama sa lawa at
sa tao,” said Enteng Barlos, President of APOLA of Taytay, one of the directly affected communities of PAREX.

Per the complaint, an official response from LLDA should be issued within 7 business days. FARMC and groups opposed to the reclamation hope for a swift end to the projects so that Laguna Lake and its surrounding communities can thrive.

FOR INQUIRIES
Raymond Ruedas (mediacommunications@climatejustice.ph) 09274382015

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