📋 Tender Overview
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) - The Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) reinforced its commitment to multi-sectoral environmental protection and climate resilience initiatives by tapping community stakeholders in rehabilitating and protecting the Laguna de Bay watershed. In a tree-growing activity conducted under the Laguna de Bay Watershed Greening Program in Barangay Langgam, San Pedro City, Laguna in December 2025, 300 participants from various government agencies, private institutions, and partner organizations gathered to support and advance the environmental cause. LLDA Community Development Division Chief Jaime Mora expressed appreciation for LLDAs partner institutions, noting that effective environmental action often begins with mobilizing committed stakeholders. Tree planting does not end with the act of planting, we all need to sustain care and protection of the seedlings to ensure their survival and long-term impact. The mix of forest and fruit-bearing trees was intentionally selected so that, in time, the fruit-bearing species would provide direct benefits to the host community. Also, planted seedlings will be monitored and reported under the One Million Trees Challenge, he stated. During the activity, participants planted hundreds of assorted forest and fruit-bearing tree seedlings within the identified watershed area despite the challenging terrain. The initiative not only aimed to rehabilitate degraded portions of the watershed but also to prevent soil erosion, improve water quality, and reduce the risk of flooding in nearby communities. It also reinforces the importance of collective action in safeguarding Laguna de Bay, which serves as a vital source of livelihood, water supply, and ecological balance in the region. As part of the program, Forester Azyl Abino, Division Manager of the Watershed Management Division of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), delivered an advocacy-oriented presentation highlighting the vital link between healthy watersheds, forests, and water security. Watershed degradation undermines water infrastructure investments, noting that forested areas have significantly higher groundwater availability, reduced soil erosion, and lower flood discharge compared to denuded and urbanized areas. Healthy forests can delay downstream flooding by up to five hours, providing critical protection to lowland communities, she said in a statement. Through sustained tree-growing, monitoring, and community engagement activities, LLDA reiterates that in strengthening watershed resilience, shared responsibility is vital to protect Laguna de Bay for the sake of the present and future generations. (AM/PIA CALABARZON)
