Taguig land titles cover 170 hectares of unauthorized reclaimed areas, including underwater portions

MANILA, Philippines — The unauthorized encroachment of land and lakeshore areas on the Taguig side of Laguna de Bay span 170 hectares including areas still underwater, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said on Saturday, citing updated data from the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA). In a statement, he said the 170 hectares are covered by at least multiple land titles. Lacson stated that these reclaimed areas are part of the land claimed by Taguig City, and their extent reaches into the underwater portions of the lake. This situation raises concerns regarding the conservation of the lake's environment and water resource management. In the Philippines, reclamation projects along coastlines and lake shores are often pursued as measures to boost economic growth. However, these projects frequently face challenges related to environmental impact and the adjustment of existing rights. Laguna de Bay is a vital water source for Metro Manila and boasts a rich ecosystem, making the reclamation issue particularly noteworthy. Lacson emphasized that the PRA data highlights the scale of this problem, urging for proper oversight and management by the government. The response from the PRA and relevant government agencies is now anticipated.