Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to take a closer look at Laguna Lake and explore its potential as a major driver of development and connectivity across Luzon.
During the Commission on Appointments’ ad interim appointment for Vince Dizon as the new Transportation Secretary on June 3, Cayetano revisited a vision they had previously discussed.
This vision aims to decongest Metro Manila by promoting development in surrounding areas such as Laguna Lake.
“Pakitingnan nang mabuti y’ung Laguna Lake. Buong Singapore ay kasya [diyan] at kung maayos lang [ay malaki ang potential],” he said.
Cayetano has consistently raised this call, especially during the Senate Committee on Finance’s deliberations on the proposed 2025 national budget where he urged concerned agencies like DOTr and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to conduct thorough studies and consider creating a comprehensive development plan for the country’s largest lake.
“I see the Laguna Lake. I see the authority, but where’s the development? Kasi LLDA y’on eh. Today ang major project pa rin lang ay y’ung fishponds pa rin,” he said.
According to the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), the lake currently supports several important functions, including fisheries, flood control, power generation, irrigation, recreation, and domestic water supply.
However, it faces serious ecological problems such as poor waste management, pollution, flooding, sedimentation, declining water quality, and loss of biodiversity.
Cayetano said if done right, the development of Laguna Lake could become a long-term national investment.
“Ilabas na sa Metro Manila yung development. Can you imagine if mabuhay iyon at ma-interconnect mo ang buong Rizal at buong Laguna? Of course kasama na y’ung parts ng Metro Manila,” he said.
