Press Releases – House of Representatives of the Philippines
Creation of lake and water management body sought 31 January 2011 10:18:02 AMWriter: Salvacion T. Beleo, MRS-PRIB
The probability of shortage of potable water in the near future has prompted a lawmaker to file a measure protecting the more than 200 lakes in the country. Rep. Aurora Cerilles (2nd District, Zamboanga Del Sur), author of House Bill 1484, said there is an urgent need to protect the lakes in the country which are the sources of food and drinking water for the people. the bill, to be known as the “Lake Development and Management Act of 2009,” seeks to create a Lake Development and Management Board (LDMB) in all provinces where lakes are located. the country is blessed with abundant fresh water resources, according to Cerilles. “There about 211 lakes all over the archipelago, some of which are even home to various species of freshwater fish endemic to the Philippines,” she said. “But due to human-caused environmental changes, the heavy pressure to sustain population, biodiversity and water quality, these lakes are vulnerable to pollution and degradation. Industrialization, urbanization and population increase continue to be a serious threats to the freshwater bodies in the country,” Cerilles said. Cerilles said there is an urgent need to safeguard the lakes in the country “so that the people can utilize these lakes as sources of recreation, food and clean water for human consumption in a sustainable manner.” the measure seeks to ensure the sustainable use, development, management, and conservation of the country’s lakes for present and future generations. Under the bill, the LDMB would be empowered to regulate and effect the sustainable development, tourism development, economic growth, environmental protection and preservation, community development and involvement, rehabilitation and institutional strengthening of the country’s lakes management.