The local government of Muntinlupa is providing livelihood assistance to fishermen in the wake of the dismantling of illegal private fishpens in the Laguna Lake by the environment department.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi has ordered the Muntinlupa City Lake Management Office and Department of Agriculture-Extension Services Office to determine the needed intervention for fishermen in coastal barangays who will be affected by the dismantling.
In coordination with the Laguna Lake Development Authority and Fisheries Aquatic Resources & Management Council, the local government will provide gillnet (pante) and tubo for fishing shrimps and other types of fish. The housewives of fisher folks are also set to undergo training in food processing as an additional livelihood for their family subsistence.
Muntinlupa City periodically distributes fingerlings to local associations of fishermen whose members come from Tunasan, Poblacion, Putatan, Bayanan, Alabang, Cupang, Buli and Sucat, all situated in Laguna Bay shoreline.
Fingerlings distributed are being extracted in government-owned fish hatchery in Bayanan.
The city government also organizes activities for welfare of fishermen. Last July 30, 150 fisher folks and fishing enthusiasts joined the MJRF Fishing Competition at Jamboree Lake, NBP Reservation, Poblacion.
Muntinlupa City also fully supports the national government’s plans to make Laguna Lake an eco-tourism zone.
The local government has been conducting lake seeding activities and other intervention programs to improve the quality of the water in the lake. It has consulted private companies regarding the rehabilitation and protection of the lake.
The Fresnedi administration vows to extend assistance to local fishermen and to support the national government’s rehabilitation of the Laguna Lake.
