MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur — The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), together with provincial officials and key stakeholders, held a roundtable discussion on Wednesday at the Provincial Capitol’s Social Hall to tackle Parliament Bill No. 352, also known as the “Lake Lanao Management Act.”
The session, presided over by MP Atty. Alirakim T. Munder, brought together Members of Parliament, government agencies, and experts from the academe to examine the proposed creation of a Lake Lanao Management Authority tasked with safeguarding one of the country’s most vital inland waters.
Designed to be an open forum, the roundtable encouraged equal opportunity for participants to share insights and diverse perspectives, underscoring the importance of inclusive dialogue in shaping policies for Lake Lanao’s protection.
Deputy Chief Minister MP Alim Ali B. Solaiman, in his message, emphasized the uniqueness of Lake Lanao as both an ecological treasure and a cultural heritage site. He expressed optimism that the bill could not only restore the lake’s condition but also reinforce peace and order in the province.
Vincent L. Casil, Chief of the Legislative Research Division under the BTA’s Policy Research and Legal Service, presented the proposed measure, while Erschad Pabillan, Research Analyst, outlined its salient features to provide stakeholders with a clear understanding of its scope and intent.
From the academe, Atty. Renato S. Pacaldo, Ph.D., of Mindanao State University, offered an analytical lens on the proposed act. He raised concerns about the need for a clearer scope, citing challenges faced by past governing bodies, gaps in data, and security issues surrounding the lake. Pacaldo also called for stronger government backing and better project implementation.
The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) – Lanao del Sur, through Provincial Director Forester Asmarie M. Labao and Chief for Technical Planning and Management Juhaima Asiya B. Lucman, welcomed the bill as a reinforcement of existing environmental mandates. They stressed the importance of aligning the act with MENRE’s programs to avoid overlap and strengthen collaboration.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Human Settlements and Development’s Provincial Director, Benjamin D. Alangca, highlighted the necessity of a clear governance structure and sufficient funding. He noted that effective coordination among agencies and local governments would be critical to ensuring the authority’s success.
Provincial representatives also underscored their support for the measure. Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Forester Pili M. Papandayan, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Shaminoden M. Sambitory, and Board Member Hon. Daongan M. Amerbitor called for stronger local participation, enhanced environmental safeguards, and disaster risk reduction strategies.
The discussions reflected a shared resolve among stakeholders to secure Lake Lanao’s future. Considered the lifeblood of Lanao del Sur and a vital source of energy and livelihood in Mindanao, the lake’s preservation remains a top priority for the province and the Bangsamoro region.
Closing the session, MP Munder assured participants that all recommendations would be taken into account in the legislative process, reaffirming Parliament’s commitment to crafting a responsive and inclusive management framework for Lake Lanao.