Fishers seek probe into Taguig reclamation projects ‘as flood control’

MANILA, Philippines — A fishers’ group backed a probe into “unauthorized” reclamation activities in Taguig City’s portion of Laguna de Bay, saying the projects disguised as flood-control measures have displaced communities and threatened the lake’s ecosystem.

In a statement on Tuesday, Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) said the projects violate the “socio-economic and environmental rights” of fisherfolk and urban poor families.

The group said that the reclamation activities are part of the 37-kilometer Laguna Lakeshore Road Network (LLRN), which has already displaced fisherfolk and urban poor communities in Muntinlupa and Taguig City.

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“We express support to any investigation that will hold accountable the officials who pushed for the destructive reclamation projects in Laguna de Bay,” Ronnel Arambulo, Pamalakaya vice chairperson, said in a statement.

“Indeed, the Cayetano political clan in Taguig City must be held accountable for pushing for the destructive reclamation projects in Laguna de Bay, under the guise of flood control projects,” Arambulo added.

Pamalakaya also rejected Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano’s assertion that the reclamation projects were intended to control flooding and protect Laguna de Bay.On Monday, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Cayetano allegedly pressured the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) to halt its investigation into the purportedly illegal reclamation project in Taguig.

Arambulo said reclamation activities across Laguna de Bay weakened communities’ natural defenses against flooding by obstructing waterways.

“May we remind Senator Cayetano that the reclamation project can never be a flood control, nor a protectionary measure to the lake’s ecosystem,” said Arambulo.

“Scientific records and our actual experiences already point to a different reality to what Senator Cayetano is saying,” he added.

Arambulo also said fisherfolk experienced declining fish catches and the loss of traditional and endemic fish species.

“Whether it be unauthorized or compliant with the proper procedures, reclamation is never beneficial to the coastal residents and aquatic resources,” said Arambulo.

Phase 1 of the LLRN covers a 37-kilometer stretch from Calamba, Laguna, to Lower Bicutan in Taguig City.INQ /mr