The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) has voiced disapproval following a dialogue with the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) regarding a floating solar power project.
During a meeting held on July 3 with LLDA General Manager Senando Santiago, PAMALAKAYA sought to discuss the project’s impact on local fisherfolk in Bay and surrounding towns. The discussion, however, left the group frustrated.
Alejandro Alcones of PAMALAKAYA-Bay said, “We are dismayed at LLDA for not showing concern for the fishermen of Laguna Lake. We did not receive clear answers from LLDA regarding the fishers’ concerns about the impact of the project on our livelihoods.”
He accused Santiago of controlling the entire dialogue. “Everything that came out of his mouth was justification for the floating solar project, while disregarding our reservations.”
The group plans to shift their strategy from dialogue to protests. Ronnel Arambulo, Vice Chairperson of PAMALAKAYA, declared, “It is clear from the dialogue that nothing can be expected from LLDA. LLDA has decided to proceed with the project, so we are determined to hold the agency accountable for being an instrument in the conversion and privatization of Laguna Lake.”
The floating solar project, which spans 2,000 hectares across the southern and eastern areas of Laguna Lake, including the cities of Calamba, Cabuyao, Santa Rosa, and the towns of Bay and Victoria, was recently auctioned off by the LLDA.
It is expected to affect the livelihoods of over 8,000 fisherfolk and fish pen owners throughout the province.
