MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Sept. 12 (PIA) -- Local officials, civil society organizations, and other concerned stakeholders called on the government to classify Lake Lanao as “Class A” freshwater.
In yesterday’s public hearing for the Lake Lanao water classification, both the Provincial Council and the City Council presented their respective resolutions asking for the classification of Lake Lanao into “Class A.”
“Class A” freshwater can be sourced as drinking water provided they undergo some treatments in order to meet the National Standards for Drinking Water (NSDW).
Both resolutions also called for the immediate implementation of all associated interventions including, but not limited, to the rehabilitation of the endemic species in the lake as the continuing degradation of the lake will bring suffering to communities relying on its bounties.
Likewise, the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) appealed for the restoration of the lake, as a source of drinking water and ablution for the Maranao people.
A network of Moro civil society organizations, CBCS also moves for the improvement and protection of the lake against dumping of garbage and wastes.
The Lake Lanao water classification public hearing was conducted by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in Region 10 to consult the public on the best usage potential of the lake.
Engr. Florencio Dominguez Jr., chief of the Pollution Control Division of the EMB-10, said the classification is an important component of water quality management which will guide what enforcement activities are to be undertaken by the national government and the local government units to protect the lake.
Meanwhile, Provincial Board Member Ansary Maongco pledged that the Provincial Council will make an ordinance for municipalities to properly take care of their coastal areas once the water classification is finalized.
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