Associate Professor
Institute for Governance and Rural Development,
College of Public Affairs and Development
University of the Philippines Los Ban͂os
Abstract
This
study assesses the development issues of Mohicap Lake. Premised on the lack of
development, the inattention from the administrative agencies, and the
underutilization of the natural resource, the article contends that the Laguna
lake Development Authority (LLDA) and the City Government of San Pablo must now
take the initiative in fostering development of the lake; specifically, (1) by
adjusting their model-template approach; (2) by instigating the formulation of a
zoning-development plan; and (3) by facilitating the promotion of ecotourism.
These are basic actions necessary for ensuring that development intervention is
equitable among the seven crater lakes, for addressing management-conservation
issues and precipitating other development actions, for improving the lives of
the locals and encouraging community development. Moreover, the study also
addresses the gap in Philippine lake studies, particularly the scarcity of
scholarly outputs on development studies (as the field is dominated by
limnology and aquaculture studies) and on small lakes (as the field is heavily
concentrated on big-lake studies).
Keywords
Philippine Lake,
Lake Development, Lake Administration,
Lake Studies, Small
Lake, Lake, and Mohicap Lake (or Muhikap/Mojicap Lake)
Introduction
Mohicap
Lake is the smallest among the seven crater lakes of San Pablo City. As a
natural resource, the lake has a high potential for development since it enjoys
favourable features, such as water conducive to aquaculture, a natural scenic beauty,
few illegal settlements, and access to the city proper. Normally, these features
are enough to serve as impetus for development initiatives to be implemented in
the lake; yet, there was none. Mohicap Lake is presently underdeveloped,
underutilized and understudied. It is underdeveloped since development actions
in the lake have been conspicuously absent over the years. It is underutilized
since there are few existing fish farms and ecotourism is virtually
non-existent. And it is understudied since there is lack of scholarly materials
on the lake, particularly on development aspects.
In
general, this study is intended to address the existing scholarly gap in lake
studies in the Philippines— the scarcity of development studies on small lakes
in the country (see Brillo 2015c).In particular, this article assesses the lack
of development in Mohicap Lake. It contends that the administrative agencies—
the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) and the City Government— must take
action and instigate development in the lake. Specifically, the agencies must:
(1) reconsider their model-template approach of exclusively prioritizing
Sampaloc Lake and Pandin Lake, since all the seven crater lakes are
ecologically threatened and equally in need of government interventions; (2)
set off the crafting of a zoning-development plan for Mohicap Lake, since it is
fundamental in solving problems and precipitating development initiatives in
the lake; and (3) encourage ecotourism in the lake, since it is key in creating
more employment opportunities for the local community. Moreover, since there is
no existing definition of small lakes in the Philippines, this study also
contributes to literature, by providing a definition of small lakes as lakes
with an area of only 200 hectares or less. This operationalizing definition was
subjectively arrived at after surveying the sizes of the “minor” and
least-studied lakes in the country. The study proceeds to expound on the
following: firstly, the gap in literature and the importance of studying the
development aspects of small lakes; secondly, the current situation in Mohicap
Lake; thirdly, its administration arrangement; and lastly, its development
issues.
Philippine Lakes, Development Studies
and Small Lakes[3]
Lakes
are integral to human existence and development since over 90 percent of the
liquid freshwater on the earth’s surface is found on them (Shiklomanov 1993,
ILEC 2007, Nakamura and Rast 2011 and 2012). From the dawn of civilizations to
contemporary modern societies, the natural resource has served man’s needs, from rudimentary uses,
such as drinking water, source of food and transportation, to more complex
uses, such as agricultural irrigation, fish farming, flood control and
hydroelectric power. Natural or artificial (i.e. reservoir) lakes are also
essential in the preservation of the world’s biodiversity and ecosystem. The
water resources serve as habitats for a variety of flora and fauna and play a
critical role in natural processes such as climate mediation and nutrient cycling.
Notwithstanding
the indubitable value of lakes, human undertakings over the years, such as food
production, development activities, settlement, urbanization and
industrialization, have brought unprecedented degradation on the natural
resource. Currently, many lakes around the world continue to be threatened by
eutrophication, acidification, toxic contamination, water-level changes,
salinization, siltation, overfishing and exotic species/weed infestation (Kira
1997, World Lake Vision Committee 2003, ILEC 2005). This reality was
empirically confirmed in the Global Environment Facility-Lake Basin Management
Initiative’s (GEF-LBMI) study of 28 major lakes around the world from 2003 to
2005, where the project underscored that, overall, the problems affecting lakes
are not improving (ILEC 2007; see also World Lake Conference 2009 and 2011).
The GEF-LBMI’s finding is mirrored in the Philippines since many lakes in the
country are also at risk of ecological deterioration. This situation was
formally acknowledged in the First National Congress on Philippine Lakes held
in 2003, when the body conceded that lakes in the country are vulnerable to
degradation (Cuvin-Aralan et al. 2005); and in the Second National Congress on
Philippine Lakes held in 2011, when the body echoed that despite incremental
improvements, the condition of lakes in the country remains to be threatened
(LakeCon2011 2011).
Under
the threatened-lake scenario, Philippine lake studies have been incrementally
increasing through the years. The overwhelming majority of the studies,
however, comes from the natural sciences and is heavily concentrated on big
lakes (Brillo 2015c; see also Brillo 2015a, 2015b, 2015d and 2015e). A recent
survey on Philippine lake studies revealed that:[4]
(1) 77 percent of the scholarly outputs are classified under the natural
science perspective and only 23 percent under the social science perspective;
and (2) 80 percent of the scholarly materials are studies on big lakes and only
8.7 percent on small lakes (see Brillo 2015c). Here, the studies under the
natural sciences are spearheaded by limnology and aquaculture research and the
studies on big lakes are mainly focused on the largest lakes in the country
(e.g. Laguna de Bay, Taal Lake, Lanao Lake and Buhi Lake). This finding implies
that scholarly outputs are scarce on two fronts: (1) research on areas of
management and development; and (2) research on small lakes.
In
addressing the scholarly deficit, the management-development studies and the
small-lake studies must make significant progress. In the former, concurrently
advancing in both is critical: one, to have a better understanding of the
issues and problems; and two, to make better headway in improving the
conditions of lakes. The two perspectives are interdependent, as they complement
and supplement each other. A single perspective cannot address the array of
challenges confronting lakes today since biophysical-environmental issues and
socio-economic-political-management issues are intertwined and cannot be
effectively addressed in isolation. So far, the limnology and aquaculture have
already made decent progress in Philippine lake studies; thus, the management
and development research must now make substantive advances to offset the
scholarly imbalance. In this way a more integrative knowledge building can be
achieved which translates to better understanding and solutions to the many
problems facing lakes in the country.
In
the latter, the existence of small lakes and the issues facing them must be documented,
in order to expand the knowledge base on Philippine lakes. Small lakes comprise
the bulk of existing lakes in the country (around 70-80 percent), yet little is
known or written about them. Small lakes are least studied since they are generally
considered to have minimal economic significance (relative to big lakes) which
translates to peripheral attention from government agencies, private-funding
institutions and scholars. The geographical remoteness of many small lakes in
the country is another contributing factor, as they require more resources and
efforts to study. There are five main reasons why it is urgent to study small
lakes: (1) the shorter time span on irreversibility of ecological degradation;
(2) the necessity of information needed to save them; (3) the connection to
other natural resources; (4) the crucial role in improving lake communities;
and (5) the need to document the natural resource for posterity.
The
first reason is that small lakes are inherently more fragile and vulnerable to
environmental deterioration compared to big lakes. Their small size naturally
equates to reduced absorptive capacity in neutralizing pollutants/contaminants
and shorter time for any ecological damage to be irreversible. The second
reason is that critical information is needed to improve the condition of small
lakes. Significant knowledge must be gained to properly manage the natural
resource. The third reason is that many small lakes are significant components
of the system of other natural resources, such as river system and watershed or
basin of big lakes. Thus, solving the issues and problems of other systems also
demand knowing vital information about small lakes. The fourth reason is that small
lakes are abundant in the country and are critical in improving the living conditions
of lake residents and their local communities. This is imperative since many
communities around small lakes are impoverished. The fifth reason is that small
lakes must be recorded for the future generations. Since it is a truism that
all lakes will eventually die, small lakes become extinct at a much faster rate
than big lakes. Some small lakes in the country may be lost in just a few
decades; just like Manlalayes Lake (the twin lake of Gunao/Gunaw Lake in
Dolores, Quezon) which dried out a few years ago before anyone was able to document
its existence (Brillo 2015c).
Taking
a cue from the preceding discussion, this study directly addresses the
identified gap in Philippine lake studies by assessing the development issues
of a small lake in San Pablo City— Mohicap Lake. Consistent with the lacuna in
the literature, there is scarcity of scholarly outputs on Mohicap Lake (Brillo
2015c; see also Guerrero 2001 and LakeCon2011 2011). So far, there are no
materials obtained under development studies, and the only materials found are
studies under limnology (e.g. LLDA 2005 and LLDA 2008) and aquaculture (e.g. Daganta
2013).
The
Present Situation of Mohicap Lake
Mohicap Lake is located in Barangay
San Buenaventura, San Pablo City. The lake is about 7 kilometers from the city
proper and is accessible through the Barangay road which runs along its eastern
side. Mohicap Lake is circular shaped and considered a catchment area of Mount
San Cristobal; a feature shared by all the seven crater lakes. The lake is
widely believed to be volcanic in origin, which was formed through a phreatic
eruption when shallow lava from Mount San Cristobal made contact with
groundwater causing an explosion that resulted in a crater-like depression
(LLDA 2008). As a natural resource, Mohicap Lake is the smallest among the
seven crater lakes of San Pablo City. It has an area of only 22.89 hectares,
maximum water depth of 30.40 meters and elevation of more or less 80 meters
(LLDA 2005 and 2008). The water sources of the lake come from rainfall, surface
runoff and surrounding/underwater springs and it discharges water through
seepage, evaporation and outflow to the town of Calauan via Compuerta Creek.
Mohicap
Lake is mainly utilized for aquaculture, specifically, tilapia farming in
floating cages. In San Pablo City, aquaculture was first introduced in Bunot
Lake in 1976 after the successful introduction of tilapia cage farming in
Laguna de Bay by the LLDA in 1974 (Radan 1977, MNR 1982). Eventually,
tilapia cage farming spread to Mohicap Lake and the other crater lakes (e.g.
Sampaloc Lake, Calibato Lake and Palakpakin Lake). Since the makeup of Mohicap
Lake is suitable for aquaculture, fish farming has expanded over the years, becoming
an integral feature of the lake. In 2004, the LLDA has reported that there were
80 fish pen/cage operators on the lake occupying an area of 36,000 square
meters (see LLDA 2005). However, fish farming in Mohicap Lake has greatly
dwindled since then. In 2013, the Provincial Government of Laguna reported that
there are only 25 registered fish pen/cage operators in the lake (see Provincial
Government of Laguna 2013). The significant decline in number of fish farms is
attributed to the high cost of commercial feeds which makes it hard to start
and continue operating a fish farm. The number has declined further due to a
recent typhoon that destroyed several fish pens and cages.
Mohicap
Lake also has few illegal settlers within its vicinity mainly due to the
limited number of fish farms in the lake and the steep slopes in most of the
banks which make it unfavourable for building settlements. Ironically, despite
the few settlers and fish pen/cages, the water quality of the lake has
deteriorated. On the 2006-08 water quality report of the LLDA on the seven
crater lakes,[5]
Mohicap Lake registered the following results:[6]
(1) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) criterion, it exceeds the allowable level and has the
lowest DO level in 2007 and 2008;[7]
(2) Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), it has consistently taken the second
highest concentration;[8]
(3) Ammonia level, it has consistently failed and has the second highest level;[9]
(4) Phosphate concentration, it consistently exceeds the allowable standard;[10]
(5) Turbidity level, it exhibits the second highest turbidity reading;[11]
(6) Total
Dissolved Solids (TDS), it has the highest range;[12]
and (7) Total Suspended Solids (TSS), it ranks second in concentration level.[13] Overall,
Mohicap Lake took the second worse assessment vis-à-vis the seven crater lakes[14]
(see LLDA 2005 and 2008). These results are perplexing considering the Mohicap
Lake’s “better condition” (in terms of the number of settlers and fish
pens/cages) relative to the other crater lakes. The possible explanations are
(a) it takes longer for the impact of the decline in fish farm numbers to be
felt and (b) the problem of surface run off (due to steep slopes of the lake)[15]
and the lack of drainage and sewage systems continue to plague the lake.
Similar
to the rest of the seven crater lakes, there have been fish kills in Mohicap
Lake. This ecological phenomenon is mainly a consequence of the annual
stratification or upwelling in the lake, where the bottom water which is usually
loaded with toxic substances (e.g. hydrogen sulfides and ammonia) is brought up
to the surface, resulting in substantial fish kills (Araullo 2001). Conversely,
an advantage of Mohicap Lake is that it has a less serious problem of
eutrophication— the process where dissolved nutrients accumulate, depleting the
lake water’s oxygen level, which then encourages oxygen-depleting plants to
thrive. Because eutrophication is not an issue, algal blooms and hyacinth
proliferation are also non-issues.
Mohicap Lake is also surrounded by
natural springs which feed water on it. In managing lakes, the focus areas are
aquaculture and water quality; natural springs are usually overlooked. There is
no current program on protecting the natural springs and their watershed.
Because the watershed of many natural springs is typically located near or
within privately-owned lands, it is crucial to come up with clear directives
and regulations, such as banning the cutting/clearing of trees and vegetation
and the construction establishments near them. Furthermore, it is imperative
that studies are conducted to clearly establish the link between the natural
springs and the lake, particularly their inflow contribution and ecological
effects. This is critical to elevate natural springs in the agenda of the
stakeholders and authorities of the lake.
The
Administration of Mohicap Lake[16]
The
administration of Mohicap Lake involves two key government agencies— the LLDA
and the City Government of San Pablo— and a multitude of overlapping laws. The
mandate of the LLDA comes from The Laguna Lake Development Authority Act of
1966 (as amended by Presidential Decree 813, October 1975) or RA 4850, which is
the principal law in the administration of Laguna de Bay (the largest lake in
the country) and its watershed area (which includes the seven crater lakes of
San Pablo City). RA 4850 created the LLDA and made it the main agency in
supervising and managing the water bodies in the Laguna de Bay region (see RA
4850, section 1 and section 4).[17]
Specifically, the LLDA has the primary responsibility to promote the
development of the Laguna de Bay region, while providing for environmental
management and control, preservation of the quality of life and ecological
systems, and the prevention of undue ecological disturbance, deterioration and
pollution (LLDA 2005).The LLDA’s authority was strengthened by Executive Order
no. 927 issued by then President F. Marcos in December 1983 which gave the LLDA
the exclusive water rights over the lakes in the Laguna de Bay region. In the
administrative setup, the LLDA’s central concern is Laguna de Bay while its
jurisdiction over Mohicap Lake (and the rest of the seven crater lakes) is
incidental, it being a part of the watershed of the Laguna de Bay region. In
practice, the downside of this administrative arrangement is that the attention
and resources of the LLDA (which generally are inadequate as in most government
agencies) are concentrated on Laguna de Bay, its principal concern, while the
small lakes within its region (the seven crater lakes and Tadlac Lake) usually receive
peripheral consideration.
The mandate of
the City Government of San Pablo comes from The Local Government Code of 1991or
RA 7160, which gives the local government unit the authority over Mohicap Lake
being municipal water. Since RA 4850 confers the administration of Mohicap Lake
to the LLDA while RA 7160 bestows the City Government the territorial
jurisdiction, this implies “coordinative-supplementary” arrangement between the
two government agencies. The LLDA lays down the comprehensive development framework
and approve/disapprove the plans and projects submitted to it by the City
Government. Conversely, the City Government legislate the necessary ordinances
in support of the overall development strategy of the LLDA. This arrangement
was reiterated in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by the LLDA and the
City Governments of Laguna in 1997.[18]
On the
regulation side, the LLDA oversees while the City Government executes the rules.
The City Government enforces the regulations of the LLDA since it controls the
local police and the barangay units. This role was evident when the City
Government demolished the illegal structures in Sampaloc Lake in the early
2000s. This capacity gives the City Government some leverage over the “upper”
authority of the LLDA, as the latter’s regulatory actions on the seven crater
lakes are almost always anchored on the former’s cooperation and assistance. In
practice, the downside of administrative arrangement happens: on the LLDA’s
part, when it procrastinates in deciding on plans or projects submitted by the
City Government (e.g. zoning-development plan); and on the City Government’s
part, when it becomes reluctant in enforcing the directives of the LLDA (e.g.
demolition of illegal settlers).
In administering
to Mohicap Lake, the LLDA and the City government utilize the Fisheries and
Aquatic Resources Management Council (FARMC).[19]
The FARMC is principal organization mandated by law, specifically the
Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 or RA 8550[20]
to assist government agencies in the management, utilization and conservation
of the water resources throughout
the country.[21]
The FARMCs are established from the national level to cities and municipalities
and formed locally by fisherfolk organizations/cooperatives and NGOs in the locality
with the assistance of the government agencies. In the Laguna de Bay region,
FARMCs’ formation, sustenance and supervision, which by the Philippine
Fisheries Code is under the Department of Agriculture, was devolved to the LLDA
in recognition of its exclusive jurisdiction. The Philippine Fisheries Code also
mandates that the FARMC be multi-representative in its composition (see section
75) and guarantees the organization’s funding (see section 79). In practice,
however, the FARMC lacks diversity, as the organization is mainly led and
comprised by fisherfolks and lake residents, particularly members of the
Samahang Mangingisda ng Lawa ng Mohicap (SMLM). The FARMC also lacks funding,
as its leaders have often complained that the funds allocated to them is insufficient
to effectively function, sustain and carry out the responsibilities of the
organization.
Beyond the
Philippine Fisheries Code, the two other laws that have direct bearing on the
administration of Mohicap Lake are the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 or RA
9275 and the Tourism Act of 2009 or RA 9593. In principle, the laws complement
and supplement each other, particularly in the development of the lake. On the
ground, however, the laws are also a source of divergence since each statute
pushes distinct agendas over the utilization of the water resource. In
particular, the Philippine Clean Water Act underscores the preservation of the
water resource; the Tourism Act promotes ecotourism for socio-economic
development; and the Philippine Fisheries Code primarily advances the interest
of the fisherfolks and the fishing industry. All together, the proponents of
each law compete and negotiate over the utilization of the lake. Consequently,
the actions, plans and programs in Mohicap Lake will have to be framed within the
orbit of these laws and the intertwined interests they represent.
Development Issues in Mohicap Lake
The
most obvious issue in Mohicap Lake is the absence of development. Despite
having many attributes conducive for it, the lake has long been wanting of
development initiatives from its key administrative agencies. On one hand, the
LLDA’s involvement is mainly confined to its routine tasks of conducting water
quality monitoring (which the agency has been doing in Mohicap Lake since the
1980s), seeding of fingerlings and clearing of water lilies (LLDA 2005). On the
other hand, the City Government’s undertaking in the seven crater lakes is mainly
confined to Sampaloc Lake, the premier lake and commercial symbol of the city.[22]
In the past, the LLDA and the City Government’s lack of actions have been
ascribed to limited resources and prevailing internal political dynamics. On
the part of the LLDA, it has often alluded to inadequate manpower (since
managing its principal concern— Laguna de Bay— demands enormous resources) and to
the frequent change in its leadership which usually results in varying
priorities; for instance, from 2005 to 2013, the LLDA had four different
General Managers: Casimiro Ynares (2005-7), Edgardo Manda (2008-10), Rodrigo
Cabrera (2010-11), and Nereus Acosta (2012-present). On the part of the City
Government, it has often cited insufficient funds (due the lingering budgetary
deficit) and the penchant of local politicians to accommodate pleas (usually
from fish farm operators and fisherfolks organizations) against taking drastic
actions on the lake.
The
relationship between the LLDA and the City Government has also been hampered by
coordination problems, diverse priorities and weakness in accepting
responsibilities. For instance: (1) the Third District Congressional Office and
the City Government’s project of constructing a concrete boardwalk along the
main entrance of Sampaloc Lake was not properly coordinated with the LLDA; (2)
the LLDA’s priority for the creation of a zoning-development plan is Pandin
Lake (as the agency has acted motu propio) while the City Government’s priority
is Sampaloc Lake (as the local government unit intends to come up with a Master
Tourism Plan for the city, a component of which is the zoning-development plan
of Sampaloc Lake); and recently, (3) when the City Government released its
draft zoning-development plan for Sampaloc Lake, the LLDA responded by asking
the former to also craft a “technical study plan.”, one that the City
Government is unable to provide because they do not have the subject matter
experts The LLDA, who has the mandate to provide technical basis for the
management, policies and programs for the seven crater lakes (LLDA 2005) and
has the pool of experts on lakes, is in a better position to do a technical
study plan. Hence, the LLDA should have conducted the scientific study or at
least help the City Government develop one instead of simply asking the City
Government for it. Moreover, these factors are aggravated by lake residents
grown cynical of politicians and administrative agencies’ efforts and
capability to develop Mohicap lake, as their actions are seen to lack long term
commitment and political will.
The
lack of a zoning-development plan is another major issue in Mohicap Lake. The
formulation of the zoning-development plan has been a principal item on the
agenda in forums on
the seven crater lakes since the early 2000s. The LLDA and the City Government
have recognized the need for it; for instance, the former had acknowledged this
in its 2005 water quality report in Mohicap Lake, and the latter in its 2014
citizen’s charter report. A zoning-development plan is considered a basic need
since it is critical for the management, exploitation and protection of Mohicap
Lake. The plan furnishes the overall map in which the development initiatives
and projects in the lake must conform to be systematic, coherent and effective.
In particular, the zoning-development plan is the first step in the
administration of the water resource, as it gives guidance to succeeding plans
and precipitates subsequent actions. For instance, a zoning-development plan
may partition the lake and designate the specific area (including the extent
and arrangement) for aquaculture and ecotourism; which may then facilitate the
regulation on fish farms and the promotion of tourism.
The
efforts of the LLDA and the City Government in formulating a zoning-development
plan are currently concentrated on Pandin Lake and Sampaloc Lake, respectively;
the former, being a prospective model for ecotourism development of the seven
crater lakes and other small lakes in the country (Brillo 2015b), and the
latter, being the central emblem of the tourism program of San Pablo City
(Brillo 2015a). The LLDA had publicly announced that the agency will come up
with a zoning-development plan for Pandin Lake by December 2014, and the City
Government had intended to do the same for Sampaloc Lake by October 2014.[23]
Both the LLDA and the City Government are working following the so-called
“model-template” framework (see Brillo 2015d and 2015e) where the development
of Sampaloc Lake (as primus inter pares) takes precedence and would serve as the
pattern for the other crater lakes. But when the success of the ecotourism
enterprise in Pandin Lake became widely known (which, in effect, challenged the
“hegemonic status” of Sampaloc Lake), the model-template framework was modified
with the accommodation of Pandin Lake; thus, making both lakes the center of
attention in the agenda of the administrative agencies.
The
emphasis on Sampaloc Lake and Pandin Lake and the neglect of the other crater
lakes, including Mohicap Lake, is another issue. As a rule, the seven crater
lakes are all ecologically threatened (LLDA 2008), and hence, each equally
needs immediate administrative intervention. In many development initiatives
Sampaloc Lake and Padin Lake may take precedence but not in the drafting of a
zoning-development plan since it is basic for the development of all the crater
lakes. Creating a zoning-development plan largely entails minimal capital, as
it is more labor-intensive (requiring mainly consultations and technical
expertise). What is usually costly is the implementation of such a plan. Under
this premise, the model-template framework should be further modified— all the
seven crater lakes must have a zoning-development plan, and the prioritization
of Sampaloc Lake and Pandin Lake should only be applied on the implementation
phase.
Concomitantly
having a zoning-development plan to all the seven crater lakes would bestow the
following advantages: (1) better accounting of the similarities, diversities
and unique features of each lake; (2) ensuring that the development and
management are supplementary and complementary, as the lakes are proximate and
customarily interconnected to one another; and (3) guaranteeing that no lake is
isolated and left behind. Beyond this, the crafting of a plan will is
empowering to the stakeholders since the process provides opportunity for the
lake residents and fisherfolks to have direct access to decision makers as well
as a platform to share their views and perspectives. Furthermore, the move to
develop a zoning-development plan entails significant goodwill since, on one
hand, it signals that the administrative agencies are doing something important
for the lake, and on the other hand, it instils in the minds of the people (as
they participate) that they are a part of the process.
The absence of ecotourism
development is also a critical problem in Mohicap Lake since it ramifies the
lack of alternative source of livelihood for the locals. Ecotourism offers a
viable opportunity for employment among the locals as well as a possible source
of funds for the operational activities and projects of the FARMC-SMLM. At
present, only fish farming and related activities are the principal sources of livelihood
in the lake since no ecotourism initiatives or projects have been introduced.
Although the City Government has floated the idea of Mohicap Lake as an
ecotourism hub (specifically, an eco-adventure tourist destination which offers
activities such as cave exploration, boating, diving and swimming), it is still
on the drawing board, so to speak.
Mohicap
Lake has high potential as a tourist destination, as beyond its natural beauty,
the lake offers other attractions, such as a cave,[24] a
peninsula, and surrounding natural springs. In addition, Mohicap Lake also has
the advantages of being accessible (i.e proximate to the city proper and has an
existing barangay road adjacent to it) and having a nearby hotel[25]
(which may accommodate visitors staying overnight). Moreover, developing
Mohicap Lake is consistent with the vision and development strategy of the City
Government of San Pablo City (i.e. to make the city a premier eco-adventure
tourist hub in the CALABARZON region[26] and
to make tourism a key instrument for the sustainable growth of the city). All
in all, these favourable elements are buoyed up by the fact that many locals
are open to the notion of developing ecotourism in the Mohicap Lake. The
locals’ support is very important since it eliminates a possible major obstacle
in fostering ecotourism in the lake.
For
the time being, while waiting for a zoning-development plan to be crafted in
Mohicap Lake, the following are the immediate steps that can be taken by the administrative
agencies to promote ecotourism in Mohicap Lake: (1) installing directional
signage from the city proper to the lake (especially near the traditional entry
point); (2) restoring the steps to main entrance going to the lake; (3)
establishing a permanent trail or path way around the lake and going to the
cave; (4) building stopover stations and washrooms; (5) organizing and promoting
tour and rafting trips; and (6) training locals on the ins and outs of tourism and
supplying them with the needed things and safety gadgets, such as life vest and
first aid kits.
Conclusion
Over
the years, no substantive development activities were initiated by its two
administrative agencies. The LLDA and the City Government have not brought or
cause the instigation of developmental actions on Mohicap Lake, nor is there a
definite time table on when initiatives will be introduced in the future. So
far, the administrative agencies are fixated on Sampaloc Lake and Pandin Lake
and have not taken notice of the other crater lakes. With limited fish farming
and virtually non-existent ecotourism, Mohicap Lake’s economic potential is
underutilized. Under this context, development must come into the lake. The
LLDA and the City Government must elevate Mohicap Lake on their agenda and take
the necessary actions. In particular: (1) the administrative agencies must
modify their approach— the model-template framework— to include Mohicap Lake
and ensure that all the seven crater lakes would be in equal footing in terms
of development intercessions; (2) they must prioritize the basic— the formulation
of the zoning-development plan— to facilitate resolving management-conservation
issues and to prepare for subsequent development initiatives on the lake; and
(3) they must promote the alternative source of livelihood— the promotion of ecotourism—
to expand the work opportunities of the locals, in particular, and enhance
community development, in general.
This article directly addressed the
identified gap in literature by conducting a case study on a small lake in the
country. Specifically, the study assessed the current issues necessary in the
development, management and preservation of Mohicap Lake. Overall, this study
advances two key agendas in Philippine lake studies. One, development studies (including
governance, socio-economic, history and cultural studies) must even out and
complement the advances in limnology and aquaculture studies. Two, studying
small lakes is imperative because of their pervasive presence throughout the
country. The two agendas are related and intertwined. To make consequential
gains in alleviating the condition of lakes in the country, the development
studies must advance side by side with limnology and aquaculture studies; and
to completely capture the plight of the water resource in the country, small
lakes must be accounted for. Correspondingly, this study underscores the
importance of obtaining primary information as starting point for future
studies on lakes, and accumulating knowledge necessary for guiding lake
management and conservation. In ending, since there are still a great number of
small lakes in the country, this article makes a small contribution in
Philippine lake studies, as it hopes to instigate more studies on small lakes
in the country, in general, and on Mohicap Lake, in particular.
Acknowledgement
This paper benefited, one way or
another, from conversations with the following individuals: Mario Dorado,
Samahang Mangingisda ng Lawa ng Mohicap (SMLM) / Ruben Solis, Mohicap Lake
residents / Mark, Angelyn and Nida Espinosa, Mohicap Lake residents / Vic Anyayahan, Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources Management (FARMC), San Pablo City (SPC) / Fernando Espallardo,
FARMC, SPC / Mandy Marin͂o, Pundasyon ng Kalikasan (Foundation of the
Environment) / Roberto Azores, Friends of the Seven Lakes Foundation (FSLF) / Felimar Torrizo, Seven Crater Lakes and Watershed
Management Council (SCLWMC) / Lope Calanog,
Consultant, Seven Lakes Tourism Master Development Plan / Maria Donalyn Eseo,
Tourism Council, SPC / Ramon De Roma, Environment and Natural Resource
Office, SPC (ENRO) / Emilio Tirones,
Mayor’s Office, SPC /Ms. Emiliana Casbadillo, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources (BFAR) / Adelina Santos-Borja, Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) / Diego Reyes, LLDA / Florita Moredo, LLDA.
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[1] This
study is part of a long term research project of documenting and conducting
development studies on small lakes in the country.
[2]
Dr. Brillo is currently a consultant in the formulation of the Seven Lakes Tourism
Master Development Plan of San Pablo City.
[3]
Portions of this section were derived from the previous works of the author on
Philippine lakes.
[4]
Conducted using the online database of the three leading universities in the
country.
[5]
The analyses are based on the Class C classification of the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on fresh surface water (see DENR
Administrative Order no. 34 series of 1990, section 68 paragraph A). Class C means that lake waters can be used as: (1)
fishery water, (2) recreational water (class 2) and (2) industrial water supply
(class 1).
[6]
Footnotes 6-12 are taken from LLDA’s 2006-08 water quality report.
[7]
DO is an important indicator of a water body’s ability to support aquatic life.
[8]
BOD is a measure of how much oxygen is used by microorganism in the aerobic
oxidation, or breakdown of organic matter in the streams. The higher the BOD,
the more polluted the water. Bunot Lake took the highest concentration.
[9]
This is based on the criterion set by the Environmental Study Board in 1973.
Bunot Lake took the highest level.
[10]
The Class “C” water criterion of 0.05 mg/L for phosphate.
[11]
Turbidity is a measure of the amount of particulate matter that is suspended in
water. The measure used was in Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU). Bunot Lake
had the highest reading.
[12]
High TDS concentrations can produce laxative effect and can give unpleasant
mineral taste to water.
[13]
TSS can include silt, decaying plants, animal matter, industrial waste and
sewage. High concentration of suspended solids can cause many problems for
stream health and aquatic life. Bunot Lake had the highest concentration.
[14]
Bunot Lake took the first spot as having the worst condition.
[15]
Especially agricultural pesticides and fertilizers.
[16]
Portions of this section were derived from the previous works of the author on
Philippine lakes.
[17] The
Laguna de Bay region includes the Provinces of Rizal and Laguna; the Cities of
San Pablo, Pasay, Caloocan, Quezon, Manila and Tagaytay; the Towns of Tanauan. Sto.
Tomas and Malvar in Batangas Province, the Towns of Silang and Carmona in
Cavite Province; the Town of Lucban in Quezon Province, and the Cities of
Marikina, Pasig, Taguig, Muntinlupa, and Pateros in Metro Manila.
[18]
MOA was signed by LLDA General Manager Carlos Tomboc, Laguna Governor Jose Lina
Jr. and the Mayors of San Pablo City (Vicente Amante), Nagacarlan (Demetrio
Comendador) and Rizal (Rolen Urriquia). Nagcarlan and Rizal towns have area
jurisdiction over a part of Yambo Lake and Calibato Lake, respectively.
[19]
This institutional arrangement is the standard among the rest of the seven
crater lakes.
[20]
The precursor law of the Philippine Fisheries Code is Executive Order (EO) 240
issued in 1995 which instigated the formation of the Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources Management Committees (FARMCs) nationwide.
[21]
The functions of the local FARMC (RA 8550 section 74):
a. assist in the preparation of the Municipal Fishery
Development Plan and submit such plan to the Municipal Development Council; b.
recommend the enactment of municipal fishery ordinances to the sangguniang
bayan/sangguniang panlungsod through its Committee on Fisheries; c. assist in
the enforcement of fishery laws, rules and regulations in municipal waters; d.
advise the sangguniang bayan/panlungsod on fishery matters through its
Committee on Fisheries, if such has been organized; and e. perform such other r
functions which may be assigned by the sangguniang bayan/panlungsod.
[22]
Lately, the LLDA and the City Government has also focused on Padin Lake due to
its ecotourism success (see Brillo 2015b).
[23]
As of the writing of this paper (January 2015), a zoning-development plan for
Padin Lake and Sampaloc Lake still has to materialize (that is officially
promulgated and implemented).
[24]
I suggested that the locals designate a name for the cave.
[25]
Starlake Hotel and Resort.
[26]
Comprising the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Quezon.
