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Laguna de Bay is the largest lake in the Philippines. Its water drains to Manila Bay via the Pasig River. This important water resource has been greatly affected by development pressures like population growth, rapid industrialization, and resources allocation. Government data showed that about 60% of the estimated 8.4 million people residing in the Laguna de Bay Region discharge their solid and liquid wastes indirectly to the lake through its tributaries. A large percentage of these wastes are mainly agricultural while the rest are either domestic or industrial. As far as domestic wastes are concerned, around 10% of the 4,100 metric tons of waste generated by residents of Metro Manila are dumped into the lake. As reported by the now defunct Metropolitan Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System, only 15% of the residents in the area have an effective waste disposal system. Moreover, around 85% of the families living along the shoreline do not have toilets.

It remains, however, one of the primary sources of freshwater fish in the country…

Fishing in Laguna Lake using the familiar method of pole with line and hook…

Another common sight is the method of wading into the water and casting a net…

With the skyline of Metro Manila in the background, this fisherman shows off his proven method of employing sharpshooter eyes with an air gun. Given the size of the catch, hopefully, results are worthwhile…

Tilapia!

Until next time!