The Commission on Audit says the unequal allocation betrays the due regard for underprivileged fisherfolks
MANILA, Philippines – Private corporations own almost half of the allowable fishing area in Laguna Lake, occupying at least 47% of the total 9,200 hectares appropriated for aquaculture structures.
The Commission on Audit (COA) found that the total presence of private corporations in the lake is more than the 40% allowed. The 2018 Zoning and Management Guidelines (Zomag) states the allocation should be 60:40 in favor of independent fisherfolks. This translates to 5,520 hectares for them, while corporations, partnerships, and cooperatives can have 3,680.
In its report, state auditors found that private corporations occupied 4,318 hectares. It emphasized that it is the responsibility of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) to ensure sustainable and equitable allocation of fishing areas.
Data as of December 2022 showed that individual owners of fish pens occupy only 3,152 hectares. Meanwhile, 193 private corporations own fish pens in Laguna Lake.