PANGIL, LAGUNA — On 30 March 2026, communities gathered not just to observe World Water Day, but to reflect on something far more personal: the water that sustains their everyday lives. Held at the Pangil River Eco-Park, the activity brought together fisherfolk, farmers, youth, and local stakeholders in a shared space that went beyond a typical forum. It became a meaningful dialogue where lived experiences, local knowledge, and practical solutions flowed together—grounded in one clear idea: when wetlands are protected, people are protected. The event was made possible through the Living Lakes Biodiversity and Climate Project co-organized by the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc. the Philippine Water Partnership and the Philippine Young Water Professionals.
The event underscored the importance of wetlands conservation in the Laguna de Bay watershed, not only as an environmental priority but as a foundation for food security, livelihoods, and long-term water sustainability in the Philippines. While Mayor Gerald Aritao was unable to attend, the strong support of the Pangil LGU was evident through their continued stewardship of the eco-park and initiatives that reflect a growing recognition that environmental protection and community development can—and must—work together.
Opening the program, SCPW Executive Director Amy M. Lecciones emphasized that the gathering was not simply about science or policy discussions, but about people whose daily lives depend on clean and accessible water. She highlighted the role of the SCPW in advancing wetland conservation through partnerships with global networks such as the Living Lakes Network through the Global Nature Fund and support from the International Climate Initiative (IKI), reinforcing that nature-based solutions are not abstract concepts but practical approaches already benefiting communities. This was clearly demonstrated through the Green Filters Facility, a compact constructed wetland system that treats wastewater using natural processes such as biomimicry and bioaugmentation, utilizing plants like vetiver grass and canna lilies along with beneficial microorganisms to remove pollutants. By reducing contaminants before they reach freshwater systems, the facility serves as a concrete example of how investing in ecosystems can improve water quality while remaining cost-effective and sustainable for local communities.
The central focus of the discussions was water tenure, introduced by Ms. Jihan Al-Shdifat of the Philippine Young Water Professionals, which refers to the rights, access, and responsibilities that individuals and communities have over water resources. In the context of Laguna de Bay, water tenure is not just a technical or legal concept but a lived reality that directly affects livelihoods. Fisherfolk shared that access to the lake often depends on recognition by local government units, registration with Municipal and Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (FARMCs), and the completion of required documentation and permits. While these systems aim to support sustainable fishing practices and resource management, participants emphasized the need for clearer, more unified guidelines, including the proposed development of a Unified Ordinance that can better define rights, responsibilities, and access across jurisdictions. The discussion highlighted that strengthening water governance is not only about regulation, but about ensuring fairness, reducing conflicts, and enabling communities to actively participate in protecting the very resources they depend on.
During the open forum facilitated by Ms. Yolanda Gomez of the Philippine Water Partnership, Ms. Al-Shdifat, and the SCPW team, fisherfolk and stakeholders shared pressing concerns that continue to shape their daily realities, including declining fish stocks that directly affect household income, climate-related impacts that disrupt fishing patterns, siltation associated with development activities, and limited opportunities for meaningful consultation in decision-making processes. These insights reflect broader challenges in balancing development and environmental sustainability, particularly in critical freshwater ecosystems like Laguna de Bay. However, the tone of the discussion remained constructive, with participants expressing not opposition to development, but a strong willingness to be part of solutions that ensure long-term sustainability. Their perspectives reinforce the importance of inclusive governance, where policies and projects are informed by those who are most directly connected to the resource, leading to more effective and equitable outcomes.
The event also marked the launch of the “Sustainable Future Training” under the Living Lakes Biodiversity and Climate Project, presented by Mr. Jose Carlo Quintos, Senior Project Officer of SCPW, which aims to equip young fisherfolk and farmers with essential knowledge and skills in sustainable resource management, climate resilience, and environmentally responsible livelihood practices. By focusing on youth engagement, the program supports the development of future community leaders who can carry forward sustainable practices and innovations within their local contexts. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to building long-term capacity and strengthening community resilience in the face of environmental and socio-economic challenges.
A key highlight of the activity was the orientation and guided tour of the Green Filters Facility at the Pangil River Eco-Park, led by Ms. Ma. Cheryl F. Prudente. Participants were introduced to the system through an on-site walkthrough, supported by visual learning materials such as acrylic information boards that explained each stage of the treatment process. During the tour, the facility was presented not only as a technical intervention but as a practical, Nature-based Solution (NbS) at the community level that uses natural processes to improve water quality. Through a series of interconnected filter cells, the system applies principles of biomimicry, bio-intensification, and bioaugmentation, utilizing plants and beneficial microorganisms to remove pollutants from wastewater. The walkthrough allowed fisherfolk, farmers, and youth participants to better understand how NbS can be applied in real-world settings—demonstrating that improving water quality can be both effective and accessible at the community level.
The activity concluded with a synthesis from Mr. Ahmir Renzo Alarcado, Technical Associate of SCPW, who emphasized the need for more inclusive and equitable governance that meaningfully involves fisherfolk and local stakeholders in managing water resources—because sustainable solutions are strongest when shaped by those who depend on them most.
As emphasized throughout the event, this year’s World Water Day theme, “Where water flows, equality grows,” alongside the local message “Isang Agos para sa Karapatan at Pagkakapantay-pantay,” highlights the critical link between water access, equity, and sustainable development.
Ultimately, the gathering in Pangil demonstrates that wetlands conservation, water tenure, and inclusive participation are interconnected elements of a sustainable future. Protecting ecosystems like Laguna de Bay is not separate from development goals; rather,it is a strategic investment that ensures clean water, supports livelihoods, strengthens climate resilience, and secures the well-being of communities for generations to come.
