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The Rizal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (FARMC) and civil society organizations are calling for transparency and the suspension of projects in and around Laguna Lake until all pertinent permits and information are provided. This comes after the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) denied reports of reclamation projects in the Lake despite admitting to the ongoing construction of the Coastal Road Project, which traverses Angono and Binangonan.

FARMC implores authorities to ensure that these projects respect the right of way. “Gusto naming makita yung mga plano para malaman namin kung mababago rin ba ang pagpapalaot namin sa araw-araw. Lalo bang liliit ang espasyo na mapapangisdaan namin? Hindi naman kami tutol sa pagtatayo ng bagong daan kung hindi mahaharangan ang daan namin papasok at palabas ng lawa,“ said Sonny San Jose, Chairman of Rizal FARMC.

Projects are required to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) before they can proceed. Reclamation projects around Laguna Lake additionally require clearance from the LLDA. However, none of these have yet to be provided. Despite this, the LLDA has also declared full support of the Coastal Road Project.

The LLDA explained that the project was initiated by the Provincial Government of Rizal through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and that it was actively engaging with these offices to expedite the necessary permits and clearances. This brings to question if the project proceeded without full clearance. The LLDA also mentioned that the reclamation projects in Taytay, which were reportedly led by private entities, were addressed by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD). This still needs to be confirmed with DHSUD.

“These reclamation projects are under the jurisdiction of the LLDA, but they’re pointing us to other agencies for the clearances,” shared Atty. Aaron Pedrosa, Secretary-General of Sanlakas. “We are requesting these permits and the project plans to see if they violate any laws, if they threaten the lake and the communities around it. The lack of legal clearances, the covert, aggressive development around the area, and that they didn’t consult the affected communities is alarming.”

The complaint was initially filed on January 10, 2024, preceded by a mobilization led by FARMC and joined by the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice, Sanlakas Rizal, and the Alliance of Unified People’s Organization in Lupang Arenda (APOLA).

FARMC and its allied organizations are requesting dialogue with the involved offices to deepen the conversation and bring the issues of the fisherfolk and communities to the forefront. The LLDA is also expected to provide copies of the coastal road project plans and its EIA and ECC.

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

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