A Study on the Stakeholders’ Perception of the Laguna Lake Development Authority’s Regulatory and Development Functions

Abstract

The problems of pollution due to rapid urbanization and industrialization, together with the introduction of new fisheries methods posed threats to subsistence fisherfolks. In response to these concerns, the government has undertaken various steps to protect the environment as well as the latter’s interests. Thus, it passed laws and created specialized administrative bodies to address these concerns. Such is the case of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), which was tasked to manage the activities in the Laguna Lake region. Discussed in this paper are the background of the LLDA and the perceptions of the stakeholders about the said agency’s effectiveness. Towards the end, recommendations are also given concerning possible ways of improvement. The research methods used in this study are the library research and direct interview methods. The sample population was selected purposively and is composed of 18 representatives from the open-sea sector, 12 from the fish pen sector, 3 local government officials and an official spokesperson from the LLDA. From the research conducted, it was found out that the stakeholders are not satisfied with the LLDA’s performance of its environmental and administrative functions, and that they also do not approve the manner in which the Authority formulates and implements its policies. In this light, most of the respondents proposed the abolition of the LLDA in favor of another agency, or the transfer of its powers to the local government units.