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May 1 was spent with my friends Bernni and Brenda in Laguna and
Quezon, marveling at the important historical places and awestruck
by nature’s beauty. The first stop was Lake Pandin and our guide,
Manang Cion, was already waiting for us at the designated place. The
umbrellas in the car came in very handy as we were told a 15-minute
trek was needed to reach the lake. The trail was just enough for one
person. Bernni, being the city girl, started whining that the next
time she comes back, a horse better be available to carry her to the
lake. Along the trail, we observed the ubiquitous plastic snack
packaging that littered the otherwise very rustic path. We told
Manang Cion that something should be done about it.
The crystal aqua water of the 20-hectare Lake
Pandin immediately made the tiring and humid-rich trek worth it!
Surrounded by hills of coconut trees and occasional baletes, Bernni
agreed that the lake is the perfect getaway. Out came my camera and
I captured the sight before me in different angles. Several locals
were already there, complete with their (plastic) picnic bags full
of food and drink sufficient for the day’s activities. Evelyn
introduced us to several of her colleagues who form the Samahan ng
mga Mangingisda ng Lawa ng Pandin, a women’s organization that
owns a raft that takes visitors for a ride around the lake.
They led us to the raft and, to our surprise,
the ladies were also our raft rowers. The raft was almost 30 feet
long and 10 feet wide with a steel contraption in the middle with
three rows that serve as our seats. “The lake is about 1,000
feet,” was Evelyn’s reply to us. “Fish pens used to cover half
of the lake but now there are about only two that are left,” she
continued. Happy to hear that, we told them about the unsightly
trash along the trail. We suggested putting signage and garbage cans
along the trail to curb the habit. But I know that the simple task
of putting trash where trash belongs is a matter of values that
should start at home. If one values a clean environment, then he
will keep it as clean as possible. It is sad that children do not
learn this basic responsibility from their parents.
We enjoyed the slow ride and thought of bringing
our friends and relatives to our new discovery. However, we feared
for the lake because once it is “discovered,” it may be ruined
by mass tourism. At present, there are no regulations. The limited
facilities (rafts to ferry people, picnic tables, toilets and shower
rooms) hopefully will restrict the visitors to the place. But word
of mouth is such an effective tourism tool and may in the next few
years bring in the numbers that may destroy the lake. Lakes are used
by humans for many commercial purposes, including fishing,
transportation, irrigation, industrial water supplies, and as
receiving waters for wastewater effluents. Lakes have intrinsic
ecological and environmental values like moderating temperatures and
affecting the climate of the surrounding land. They store water,
help regulate stream flow, recharge ground water aquifers and
moderate droughts. They provide habitat to aquatic and semi-aquatic
plants and animals which in turn provide food for many terrestrial
animals and people and add to the diversity of the landscape.
After the refreshing boat ride, we started our
trek back to the car. Along the way, we stopped by a store that was
selling kalamay and other souvenirs. I noticed a solitary
white-eared Brown Dove in a cage. It is one of the doves that can
only be found in the Philippines. Immediately, the owner asked me if
I wanted one. I told him that it’s illegal to hunt birds and that
I would rather see them in the wild. On our way to Quezon, I told my
friends that this experience truly reflects the urgent need for
awareness raising and education on environmental protection. For as
long as the majority do not value our natural treasures, our
survival is at risk.
director@haribon.org.ph
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