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Third-term Cong. Victoria Reyes, Representative of the 3rd District
of Batangas, shared her plan of establishing a special government,
the Taal Lake Development Authority, which will solely work towards
tourism in Taal Lake and the conservation of its natural resources,
during the 4th North Batangas Summit held last January 25 at the
First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (FAITH) campus.
Proving that the North Batangas is a land
flourishing in the south, Congresswoman Reyes enumerated the
different strengths of the cities in North Batangas. Topping the
list of key potentials are the beautiful landscapes, rich
agriculture and bountiful waters.
Congresswoman Reyes claims: “But there has
been a growing proliferation of fish cages and fishpens which
contribute immensely in fishkill. While fish cages and fishpens
provide jobs for our fisherfolks and create revenues for
entrepreneurs, these improper aquaculture practices can however
destroy the ecological balance of Taal Lake.”
Just last January, the Bureau of Fisheries and
Aquatic Resources announced that the fishkill that took place in
Taal Lake has caused the loss of 50 metric tons of cultured tilapia
and maliputo fishes.
‘Taal Lake is graced with a unique ecosystem
and it is our duty to protect and conserve that blessing. It is not
yet too late for us concerned authorities to halt environmental
degradation in Taal Lake,” states Congresswoman Reyes.
She adds: “Taal Development Authority will
work as our main arm in restoring and conserving Taal Lake’s
natural resources, and developing more tourist spots in the area to
generate income.”
Congresswoman Reyes grew up spending almost
every day in Taal Lake where she splashed into warm waters with her
siblings and cousins, observed the fisherfolks catch tawilis and
enjoyed the stunning scenery of a volcano at the heart of the lake.
She wants to give tourists and the future
generation the same opportunity by restoring this wonderful gift of
nature.
“Development should not just be about profit.
A real success is when we are also able to maintain God’s gift to
us. Let’s lead the way through Taal Development Authority,”
Congresswoman Reyes requests.
Organizations behind the North Batangas
Summit
FAITH a leading learning institution in Tanauan
City, Batangas, spearheads the biennial summit in the fulfillment of
its mission of “serving the community through relevant extension
and outreach programs.” FAITH is supported by Bato Balani
Foundation in hosting and organizing the business summit.
The 4th North Batangas Summit was also made
possible by Teletech Lipa, Hotel Ponte Fino Batangas and the
Batangas Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
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