Restoration, development and governance of Dagatan Lake, San Antonio, Quezon, Philippines

Issue Date

2017

Abstract

The study hopes to 'democratise' lake studies in the Philippines by precipitating more studies beyond the major lakes. Small lakes are plentiful in the country, yet the water resources are least studied particularly in the sociopolitical dimension involved in sustainably managing and developing them. Predicated on this, the article places a formerly 'dead' small lake on the map of scholarly discourse by looking into its governance experience and successful revival. Specifically, it delineates the governance practice in Dagatan Lake using the critical areas identified in the Integrated Lake Basin Management's (ILBM) framework, and explains the key factors behind the small lake's restoration. The study finds that: (a) on institutions- an 'active' local government was a decisive factor in the restoration project; (b) on policies- the formulation of a Master Development Plan (MDP) is a vital managementdevelopment issue; (c) on partici-pation- the practice of development continues to be top-down; (d) on technology and infor-mation- scientific interventions remain critical in sustaining the conservation efforts; (e) on fi-nance- partnership with the private sector should be explored post-restoration. The study con-tends that the successful restoration of Dagatan Lake was anchored on the confluence of three factors: (i) the local government's adoption of agri-tourism strategy; (ii) local lobbying for the lake's preservation; and (iii) the tapping of informal ties to DA-BFAR for assistance. The suc-cessful revival of Dagatan Lake offers a model for resource restoration and conservation, as its governance experience provides a broad guide for managing the many other endangered small lakes in the country.

Source or Periodical Title

Taiwan Water Conservancy Journal

ISSN

0492-1505

Volume

65

Issue

1

Page

44-54

Document Type

Article

Physical Description

illustrations

Language

English

Subject

Dagatan lake, Development, Governance, Lake, Lake restoration

Digital Copy

yes

En – AGROVOC descriptors

Dagatan lake; Development; Governance; Lake; Lake restoration

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