In a pivotal policy forum, the University of the Philippines Los Baños-School of Environmental Science and Management (UPLB-SESAM) led the discussions aimed at fostering the adoption of a science and technology (S&T)-based model for lake-based ecotourism management in Laguna de Bay. It was held on February 16, 2024 at the Acacia Hotel in Muntinlupa City.
Themed "Mismo sa Ekoturismo: Ushering towards a Sustainable Laguna de Bay Through Lake-based Ecotourism Management," the forum provided a collaborative platform for stakeholders to deliberate innovative solutions and develop a comprehensive management framework for the region's ecotourism resources.
Various agencies and institutions participated in the forum including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-CALABARZON, Department of Tourism (DOT) CALABARZON, Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU), Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc. (SCWP), and the local government units of Los Baños, Rizal, Baras, Binangonan, and Cabuyao City.
In 2018, the DOST-PCAARRD-funded project, “Assessing the Implications of Various Resource Use and Management Options in Laguna de Bay,” revealed that the most efficient management scheme is to retain aquaculture activities and introduce ecotourism activities. This finding laid the groundwork for the Laguna Lake Ecotourism Advocacy for Development Project, also known as Project LEAD.
Recognizing the significance of preserving Laguna de Bay, DOST-PCAARRD Socio-Economics Research Division Director Ernesto O. Brown emphasized, “Laguna de Bay provides numerous ecosystem services, and thus, we must protect this vital resource.” Project LEAD advocates implementing a scientific approach to the development plans of local government units focused on ecotourism.
Ecotourism is a form of tourism that prioritizes protecting and preserving natural environments and cultural heritage sites, as defined by UPLB. As part of Project LEAD’s advocacy, officials from the DOT-CALABARZON, LLDA, and the provinces of Laguna and Rizal signed a Pledge of Partnership during the policy forum, formalizing their research and extension initiatives and collaboration focused on Laguna de Bay.
Various topics discussed during the forum were the following:
Formation of technical TWG for Laguna de Bay Ecotourism Development facilitated by Dr. Rico C. Ancog (Image credit: Project LEAD, UPLB)
- “Ecotourism Potential of Laguna de Bay: Some Ways Forward,” presented by Ms. Jacquiline Davo, Officer-in-Charge, Policy Planning and Information Management of LLDA;
- “Case Study as a Successful Lake-based Ecotourism,” presented by Hon. Antonino Aurelio, Vice Mayor, Municipality of Rizal, Laguna;
- “Institutionalizing Lake-based Ecotourism Management in Rizal Province,” presented by Mr. Tracy Tunque; and
- “Science and Technology Driven Lake-based Ecotourism,” presented by Vice Chancellor Roberto Cereno, Project staff of Project LEAD.
In addition, Project Leader Rico C. Ancog initially identified key personnel for the Laguna de Bay Ecotourism Technical Working Group. This marked a crucial step toward the effective implementation of lake-based ecotourism management in Laguna de Bay.
The policy forum is conducted through the DOST-PCAARRD-funded project, “Policy Advocacy for the Adoption of Ecotourism as a Local Sustainable Development Solution for Laguna de Bay’s Resource Use and Management.” Its overarching goal is to facilitate the adoption of ecotourism as a sustainable development solution and framework for resource management in Laguna de Bay.