More than 800 fisherfolk in Bay, Laguna are worried about the loss of traditional fishing areas because of a 2,000-hectare floating solar project in Laguna de Bay.
The fisherfolk said that the project would block their boats and destroy docks.
“We were not consulted before the planning of this project that will cover our fishing areas, and no alternatives have been offered for the fisherfolk in Bay affected by this development,” said Alejandro Alcones, president of PAMALAKAYA-Bay.
The project, auctioned by the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), will be located in parts of Laguna’s largest inland brackish lake, affecting Calamba, Cabuyao, Santa Rosa, Bay, and Victoria.
Around 8,500 registered fisherfolk and another 2,000 involved in aquaculture are threatened by the project.
The group emphasized the need for a balance between renewable energy development and the rights of local communities.
“The transition to renewable energy should not privatize or corporatize communal fishing grounds. The main questions are who controls the project, who benefits, and at what cost,” said Ronnel Arambulo, vice chairperson of the group.
The group said it plans to contact the LLDA and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to oppose the project, which it described as profit-driven and harmful.
