Laguna Lake Projects in the Philippines Spark Intense Debate Over Potential Impact on Local Fishers

Photo credit: PAMALAKAYA

Projects in Laguna Lake, specifically the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network (LLRN) and the Laguna Lake Solar Farm project has sparked intense debate in recent months. Ostensibly a push for modernization and sustainability, with proposals to reclaim hectares of the lake to construct roads and install floating solar panels, it has raised serious concerns over its impact on the local communities, especially the thousands of families living alongside Laguna de Bay.

What are these “development projects” in Laguna Lake?

There are several projects ongoing in Laguna Lake spanning the different cities and municipalities around it. But currently, the two most talked about are the Laguna Lake Road Network and the Large-scale Solar Farm project. 

The LLRN is a loan-funded infrastructure project by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) which aims to reclaim portions of Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines. The project involves constructing a 37.5-kilometer expressway from Lower Bicutan in the National Capital Region (NCR) to Calamba in Laguna.

The project’s goal is to ultimately ease traffic from north to south of Luzon with a combination of viaducts, embankments, bridges, and flyovers. 

The Solar Farm Project, approved by the Laguna Lake Development Authority, is being developed by Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings. The large-scale solar farm is an ambitious renewable energy initiative centered on deploying floating solar panels on Laguna de Bay’s surface to produce clean energy. The project aims to install floating solar panels on an estimated 2,000 hectares of the lake, positioning the project as an eco-friendly initiative to address energy scarcity in the country.

While such initiatives often promise progress, they need to be balanced with the reality that Laguna Lake is more than just a geographical feature; it's a home and a source of livelihood to many.

Who Are the Most Affected?

A significant percentage of the community living near Laguna Lake are fisherfolk. It’s estimated that about 13,000 families directly depend on the lake for their livelihood. Many of these families have fished these waters for generations, relying on the lake for both food and income.

Take the case of the barangays of Taguig and Muntinlupa, where many fishers’ associations have already spoken out against previous reclamation efforts. Residents fear being driven from their homes without proper relocation or compensation, leaving them to struggle for an uncertain future.

“This isn’t just a road,” said Wilfredo Azada, a 67-year-old fisherman from Calamba, Laguna in an interview with Bulatlat. “After the road comes buildings, fences, and guards. We’ll no longer be allowed to approach the lake. Back then, even getting near fishponds was off-limits. Now there will be solar panels and electric wires around. You go near; it could cost your life,” he added.

Socioeconomic Risks

Removing access to the lake doesn’t only mean loss of livelihood. It can create a domino effect of social and economic hardships.

The fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) has expressed strong opposition and concerns regarding various development projects around Laguna Lake, highlighting significant negative impacts on residents and traditional fishing communities. 

PAMALAKAYA asserts that these projects threaten the livelihoods of thousands of small fisherfolk by blocking fishing grounds, boat pathways, and docks, with no alternative provisions for affected fishers. They criticize the lack of genuine consultation and transparency by authorities and fear the projects benefit large businesses while marginalizing small-scale fisherfolk.

Rehabilitation not Reclamation

There’s no denying the need for progress and green energy, such as solar power. However, development projects like the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network and the Solar Power Project illustrate the complexity of true progress—where gains for one group can mean devastating losses for another.

Save Laguna Lake

As the Laguna Lake Project moves forward, it’s crucial for all stakeholders—government, private investors, and especially the fisherfolk—to have a voice at the table. Development shouldn’t come at the unmitigated expense of the most vulnerable communities. Instead, solutions can be designed to balance innovation and inclusivity, ensuring that progress uplifts rather than uproots.

If you’d like to help or learn more, consider reaching out to local advocacy groups working to protect Laguna Lake communities like the Save Laguna Lake Movement and PAMALAKAYA.