(REM ZAMORA)
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is eyeing Laguna de Bay as a source of fish for Metro Manila residents and surrounding areas.
In a statement on Thursday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said wants the 940-square-kilometer Laguna de Bay to be revived to lower food prices.
“For example, bring back bangus prices to P50-P70 per kilo. Maximizing the aquaculture potential of Laguna Lake is essential to achieving that goal. If we can add more capacity, then let’s do it,” Laurel said.
Citing data from the Laguna Lake Development Authority, DA said that the freshwater lake produces 90,000 tons of freshwater fish per year.
This would translate to the livelihood of 13,000 fisherfolk, said the DA.
Laurel has since ordered the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to test the lake’s water quality, as well as study its capacity.