Marawi City, June 3, 2025 — The Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur has pledged full support to a newly approved research initiative spearheaded by Mindanao State University (MSU) to conserve the endangered endemic fish species of Lake Lanao—one of the oldest and most ecologically significant lakes in the Philippines.
The commitment was reaffirmed in a coordination meeting held today at the Vice Governor’s Conference Room at the Provincial Capitol in Marawi City. The research project, titled “S&T Intervention towards Conservation and Management of the Endemic Cyprinids of Lake Lanao,” recently received funding under the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development’s (DOST-PCAARRD) Grants-In-Aid (GIA) program.
Key provincial representatives, including Ms. Pili M. Papandayan, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, and Mr. Abdullah D. Datu-Haron, Agriculturist II from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, expressed their unwavering support for the initiative. The provincial government committed to assisting with logistics, safety protocols, and community coordination throughout the research process.
Officials emphasized the urgent need to address threats to Lake Lanao’s biodiversity, particularly its cyprinid fish species—many of which are found nowhere else in the world. These endemic species are not only vital to maintaining the ecological balance of the lake but also serve as a crucial resource for local communities who depend on fishing for food and income.
“Science-based interventions like this research are critical to preserving our natural heritage and securing the future of our people,” said one official during the meeting. “Lake Lanao is not just a lifeline for Lanao del Sur, but a key part of the region’s ecological stability.”
The MSU-led study will involve extensive fieldwork across various municipalities surrounding the lake, including Marawi City, Marantao, Balindong, Bacolod-Kalawi, Ganassi, Binidayan, Lumbatan, Masiu, Taraka, Ditsaan-Ramain, and Madalum. Researchers aim to document the current status of endemic fish populations, identify ecological threats, and assess the socio-economic conditions of the fishing communities around the lake.
MSU researchers lauded the provincial government’s cooperation, stating that local partnerships are vital to the long-term success of any conservation effort. “With the province’s support, we hope to reverse the decline in endemic species and promote sustainable practices that will benefit both biodiversity and community livelihoods,” one researcher shared.
Beyond its importance to Lanao del Sur, Lake Lanao plays a vital role in the broader environmental landscape of Mindanao. It is the largest lake in the island and serves as the primary source of water for the Agus River, which powers several hydroelectric plants supplying electricity to millions across the region. Conservation of Lake Lanao thus has far-reaching implications not only for biodiversity but also for energy security, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
The launch of this initiative marks a significant milestone in collaborative environmental stewardship, uniting scientific research with community engagement and local governance. As climate change and human activity continue to pressure freshwater ecosystems, efforts like this serve as a model for how science and solidarity can work together to protect natural treasures like Lake Lanao.