Lake Sebu and Seloton are a treasure trove of resources in South Cotabato. The local community often relies on these resources and the provided services to live and survive. However, certain issues have led to the deterioration of the overall well-being of both lakes. Concerned with the sustainability of Lake Sebu and Seloton, there is a growing need to protect the environment and support people's livelihoods.
To protect Lake Sebu and Seloton, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) and Mindanao State University-General Santos (MSU-GenSan) are working together to provide better policies and ensure sustainable practices in the community.
Through the project, “Development of a Policy Coherence Framework for Access and Benefit Sharing and Fostering Equitable and Sustainable Lake Resource Management in Lake Sebu and Lake Seloton,” MSU-Gensan, led by Associate Professor Keno Jay M. Balogbog, aims to assess how existing policies on lake resource management align and function and to develop a framework that supports fair and sustainable use of the lakes’ resources.
Lake Sebu and Seloton are a major source of livelihood in the municipality. Fisheries, tourism, and cultural practices are the major contributors to the local economy. Lake Sebu is known for its aquaculture industry, serving as a key source of freshwater fish in the region. The municipality has also gained recognition as one of the prime ecotourism destinations in South Cotabato due to its captivating natural scenery and rich cultural heritage.
Currently, Lake Sebu and Seloton are facing challenges due to the overcrowding of fish cages. Because of this, the lakes are struggling to maintain their optimal water quality and resource sustainability. These issues are compounded by overlapping policies and conflicting regulations, which create confusion over responsibilities, weaken enforcement, and undermine effective management. As a result, implementing effective measures becomes difficult, placing both the community and the environment at greater risk.
To properly launch the project, DOST-PCAARRD organized an inception meeting on December 10, 2024, to align expectations and assist the project team in refining the project. Together with experts from Partido State University (PSU) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños, College of Public Affairs and Development (UPLB-CPAf), the team reviewed the framework, methodology, and implementation strategies of the project.
During the presentation, the team discussed the policy coherence framework, which will be adopted to provide a comprehensive understanding of how policies interact and influence one another across governance levels and sectors.
The formulated policy recommendations will be endorsed to the LGU of Lake Sebu and will be disseminated through the development of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, video explainers, and communication campaigns, promoting awareness and support from stakeholders.
The project commenced in September 2024 and is expected to run for two years.