LAKE LIVELIHOOD Residents in communities surrounding Laguna de Bay, like Binangonan town in Rizal province, depend on the lake’s aquaculture industry to support their families. INQUIRER file photo / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday that a move of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) to reallocate areas in Laguna de Bay will increase fish production.
According to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the move may also reduce the prices of certain fish varieties.
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“This move by LLDA, an attached agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, will surely increase the production of fish in Laguna Lake and hopefully maintain the prices of bangus and big head carp, if not lower them a bit,” Tiu-Laurel said.
On March 25, the LLDA published a resolution that set aside 53 percent of a 9.200-hectare area in the Laguna de Bay for small fishermen, while 47 percent of the area were for private corporations.
Previously, 60 percent of the area were for small fishermen, while 40 percent were for the private corporations.
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Tiu-Laurel added that the DA will assist small fishermen who may be affected negatively by the LLDA resolution.
According to the LLDA, the Laguna lake provides 90,000 tons of freshwater fish annually, and provides livelihood to around 13,000 fisherfolk.