Sim, Nowell Paolo Q.

Natural Resources Law

Atty. Espinas

The Water Code of the Philippines

Water is one of the most important factor in life which is needed by all living things
on Earth. But it is also one of the most abused natural resource in the world, specifically in the
Philippines. As said by Water.org, Out of 101 million Filipinos, nine million rely on unimproved,
unsafe and unsustainable water sources and 19 million lack access to improved sanitation.
Families without a safe water source in or near their home often spend significant time and
energy collecting water. Those without a sanitary toilet facility at home face a number of
unattractive choices, including venturing out at night or suffering the embarrassment of asking
to use the toilet of a neighbor thus just going to the nearby river to excrete their waste. The
government then enacted the Water Code to conserve and protect the use of the water in the
Philippines. This code made sure that the people shall use the water properly and maximize it to
ensure proper utilization, exploitation, development, conservation and protection of water
resources.

For me, the implementation of the Water Code is not enough for our countries water
to be protected better. Proper implementation and more stricter laws must be enacted to be
able to save our waters to pollution. One example is the Pasig river. One of the main cause is the
people who live beside the river who throw their wastes in the river. They should be not allowed
to live beside the river. Also proper funding of the agencies responsible to the clean-up and
protection of the water resources.

Looking in our present situation, we can see that our waters are currently improving.
The esteros are clearing up and the Pasig river does not smell anymore. We should just continue
to do these things, and after that our waters will be saved from destruction.
Sim, Nowell Paolo Q.
Natural Resources Law
Atty. Espinas

Philippine Fisheries Code

The Philippines is not only a country with well-preserved artifacts, canvases, fabrics,
or chiseled molds, with a history worth revisiting, but a country also known for its rich marine
biodiversity. It is no wonder that indeed, there are various kinds of fishes that can only be found
here in the country, making it stand out among other countries in the world. Fishery is also one
of the main sources of livelihood of Filipinos. The current condition of fisheries in the Philippines
is bad. Overfishing, illegal fishing and habitat destruction combined with increased demand for
fish and population growth continue to drive fisheries production at an alarming rate. Thus, the
government of the Philippines enacted the Philippine Fisheries Code, to develop and conserve
the fisheries and aquatic resources.

Upon studying the Fisheries code, I think the problem is the way of how the Local
government unit is implementing it. Because even though there is a law, the people are still able
to fish without supervision. This is what is affecting our fishes in the Philippines. Also, the rise of
the demand of fishes because it is cheaper than meat sometimes. Moro ami also is practiced still
by some Filipinos. Due to this act, the reefs are destroyed and thus destroys the habitat of fishes.

The government should make a stricter laws and penalty to make sure that the people
will not violate and abuse the fishes and their natural habitat. In order to make sure that the fish
shall still be sustainable for us and the future generations to come.
Sim, Nowell Paolo Q.
Natural Resources Law
Atty. Espinas

The Laguna Lake Development Authority

Laguna lake is the largest lake in the Philippines, located east of Metro Manila between
the provinces of Laguna to the south and Rizal to the north. The lake is a multipurpose resource.
In order to reduce the flooding in Manila along the Pasig River, during heavy rains, the peak water
flows of the Marikina River are diverted via the Manggahan Floodway to Laguna de Bay, which
serves as a temporary reservoir. In case the water level on the lake is higher than the Marikina
River, the flow on the floodway is reversed, both Marikina River and the lake drain through Pasig
River to Manila Bay. Also, there are at least 18 fish species in Laguna Lake. Given the many uses
of Laguna Lake, the Philippine government established the Laguna Lake Development Authority
to promote and accelerates sustainable development.

But even though the there is an authority in charge, pollution is still rampant in Laguna
lake. Data shows that 60 percent of the estimated 8.4 million people staying around the Laguna
de Bay dumped their solid and liquid wastes indirectly to the lake through its 21 tributaries. Of
the total wastes going into the lake, 40 percent comes from agricultural wastes, 30 percent from
domestic wastes and 30 percent from industrial wastes. Around 10 percent of the 4,100 metric
tons of wastes generated by Metro Manila residents are dumped into the lake as well.

For me the solution for these problems are to implement better rules and regulation
which will ensure that the occupants near the Laguna Lake shall be liable to clean the areas which
they are currently residing. Also, proper financing of Laguna Lake Development Authority to be
able to enhance its clean up capabilities to save the Laguna Lake and the fishes there for the
future generations to be able to enjoy them.
Sim, Nowell Paolo Q.
Natural Resources Law
Atty. Espinas

Philippine Clean Water Act

Water pollution is one of the main problems of the Philippines. About 9 million people
lack the access to safe water and is causing a rampant health concern and diseases like malaria
and dengue. In order to facilitate a better protection, preservation and revival of the quality of
our fresh, brackish and marine waters, the Philippine Clean water act was passed by Congress.
This Act is responsible for water quality management in all water bodies.

Upon studying this Act, I still think that there is no problem in the law but it is in the
implementation. Due to the population growth, people tend to live in cramp areas and thus find
ways to have a supply of safe water and disposal of waste water. Now these people then throw
their waste in the river which causes pollution. That is why, the government should look into
these situations to be able to solve our water pollution problem.

As they say, water is essential part of our life. Without water we cannot live, no one can
survive without it. Even though some people from big cities dont care about the problem. There
is still hope. Lets all work together to make our waters brighter. I end my paper with a quote
saying, Save Water to Secure Your Future.