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Yambooray! Rafting through our Yambo Lake Adventure
by Aron Jaime D. Manilag
A hidden gem in Laguna, Yambo Lake offers tranquility and natural beauty. Unlike other San Pablo City’s popular lakes, it’s a secluded escape with fewer crowds, ideal for relaxation and nature connection (Trip Advisor, n.d.). Reaching it requires a short hike, helping to maintain the lake’s pristine state While not extensively developed, activities include bamboo raft rentals with meals or relaxing on the shore. Thus, Yambo Lake is perfect for a serene Laguna escape.
Last April 10, my friends and I planned to visit Yambo Lake, one of the seven lakes of San Pablo City, but at the same time, 20% of its area is under the jurisdiction of Nagcarlan, Laguna, including its entrance. . We secured a van ride going from SM City Calamba to Nagcarlan, Laguna. We arranged a pick-up point closer to our campus for convenience–Olivarez Plaza Mall. So, we make our little escape from the hustle and bustle of our academic requirements and stressors-alike, and let our skin feel the more mountainous side of Laguna as we watch the scenery inside the vehicle. To be honest, I expected the travel time to be longer, but it is actually quite short, must be the eye-pleasing sceneries from outside the van windows that kept me entertained throughout the ride!
Upon reaching the entrance, a designated area greeted us for settling fees. Entrance included a conservation fee of Php 20, along with a variety of activities available. We opted for the bamboo raft with a meal included, priced at Php 450 per person. Once we entered the premises of the ecotourism site, I, together with my friends really enjoyed our time as we navigate through the beautiful scape of Yambo Lake. It is nice to see how the lushes green touching each cottage fade into brown sand near the lake. The lake also offers a panoramic view of sturdy green trees fringing the banks from each perspective complementing the waters from beneath and the skies above. Undeniably, a one-of-a-kind experience.
The site boasts a range of activities for visitors: swimming in designated areas, bamboo rafting for two hours each session with tarzan jumping, swinging, and swimming included, and even a guided tour with a hike to the neighboring Pandin Lake, known for its stunning bluish waters. Nature enthusiasts could enjoy bird watching, while others could relax with a picnic by the lake or participate in team-building activities. Facilities included restrooms, shower rooms, cottages (varying in size to accommodate different groups), life vest rentals, a charging station near the entrance, trails, and conveniently placed garbage bins.
Sustainability and What to Ponder on Educational Component
While the activities and facilities offered a thrilling and enjoyable experience, a question lingers: are these practices truly sustainable? To answer this, we must consider the definition of ecotourism as outlined by the Philippine National Ecotourism Strategy (2002). This strategy defines ecotourism as a sustainable form of tourism practiced within natural and cultural areas. It emphasizes the involvement of local communities, environmental and cultural protection, and tourist education. Here’s where Yambo Lake shows both strengths and weaknesses.
The involvement of the local community is commendable. Residents are employed as tour guides (including rowers, cooks, and vendors), directly contributing to the site’s operations. Environmental protection measures are also evident, with designated zones where bamboo rafting is restricted. This highlights a commendable effort to strike a balance between tourism and fisheries, utilizing the lake as a source of income for the local population.
However, our experience lacked an educational component. The guided tour provided no information on the lake’s history, culture, or ecology. This missed opportunity could be addressed by training tour guides to incorporate environmental or historical knowledge into their narratives. Additionally, informative signage around the lake or a dedicated visitor center showcasing the cultural significance of the area would be valuable improvements. By incorporating these educational aspects, Yambo Lake could solidify its position as a true ecotourism destination, fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment among visitors.
That’s why…
Yambo Lake surely provides quality experience for its visitors, thanks to its sustainable practices and the friendly community members that continuously help the site to flourish as a commendable ecotourism site. However, upon my observation, the initiative and protection efforts done by the management such as community members and the local government unit is not enough in its mission. Zeroing in to the definition of Philippine National Ecotourism Strategy, educational aspect should always be considered to ensure that the protection of its natural resources and the promotion of the livelihood of the communities are not handled with just a band-aid solution or mechanism, rather, it should also involve the community instilling educational aspect to tourists or visitors to cultivate a culture of ecotourism wherein enjoyment of these attractions and offering is well-paired with education.
Picture Me!
I really think that this picture really encapsulate what Yambo Lake as an ecotourism site is! Here, we’re enjoying a relaxing bamboo raft ride (balsa) guided by friendly community members. The use of a sustainable bamboo raft is a key element of this activity. Unlike noisy motorboats, bamboo rafts glide silently through the water, minimizing disturbance to the lake’s delicate ecosystem. This image embodies the spirit of Yambo Lake: allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty of the lake while ensuring its long-term health and employment of its community.
Reference/s
LAKES PANDIN: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos). (n.d.). Tripadvisor. https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Attraction_Review-g298457-d3400883-Reviews-Lakes_Pandin-San_Pablo_City_Laguna_Province_Calabarzon_Region_Luzon.html
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Balancing Act: The Symbiotic Relationship between Conservation and Recreation
by: Aron Jaime D. Manilag
Photo Source: Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.
Introduction
Conservation and recreation may seem like contrasting concepts, but as I delve with each discussions every session of the class, I have learned that they share a symbiotic relationship which is crucial for the well-being of both natural environments and human communities. Hence, as I was imparted with its different concept, I’ve also come across the interdependence of conservation and recreation and instilled with best practices for nature-based leisure to ensure the sustainability of our natural and cultural resources.
Why does conservation and recreation must be symbiotic?
Conservation and recreation are two sides of the same coin, each benefiting from the other in various ways. Conservation efforts often require public support and awareness, and recreation serves as a powerful tool to connect people with nature. According to the study by Jones and James (2018), “The Role of Recreation in Conservation: An Empirical Study,” outdoor recreational activities increase people’s appreciation for nature, fostering a sense of responsibility for its preservation. Thus, if an individual achieved great satisfaction while doing nature-based recreation and leisure activities, there are more possibilities that they will have greater sense of accountability to their environment.
Once accountability is developed, I have learned that it will not merely be for recreational purpose anymore as it transforms into a commitment to stewardship and conservation. When people find what they are looking for in a natural settings; be it joy, fulfillment, peace, etc., they naturally become advocates for the protection of those settings. The positive emotions associated with recreational experiences can serve as a motivation for a deeper understanding of the ecological importance of these areas. With these, to fully achieve symbiotic relationship between conservation and recreation, there should be practices that one should follow and adhere.
Best Practices for a More Symbiotic Conservation-Recreation Relationship
Leave No Trace Principles
During class discussion, I was imparted with the different principles of “Leave No trace,” and adopting these principles ensures minimal impact on the environment during recreational activities. In the Philippines, where ecotourism is gaining popularity, the importance of educating visitors about responsible behavior to mitigate negative impacts on biodiversity must always be observed.
Daranak Falls, Tanay, Rizal. Photo Source: Trip Advisor.
For instance, whenever I visit one of my favorite places, Daranak Falls, in my hometown, I always make sure to have a garbage bag with me. This is to ensure that even without garbage bins in the area, I am still responsible for my wastes.
Community Involvement and Empowerment
The very nature of my degree program, BS Development Communication is to really sue the science of communication to elevate people’s lives, and I can see communication as great tool to really engage local communities in recreational initiatives fosters a sense of ownership and ensures that the benefits are distributed equitably. I believe that by involving local communities in decision-making processes, it can lead to more sustainable and culturally sensitive recreational practices, involving not only elevating their lives but also their environment and the overall ecology.
To fully understand this practice, tap the picture to watch this video discussion from UNDP Philippines with a theme I“Buklod: Convergence Towards Inclusive Innovation and Conservation of Indigenous Ways,” or tap this link (https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1223206871523458)
Trail Management and Design
Another best practice that I think should be implemented elsewhere are well-designed trails and effective management to help prevent habitat degradation. A study by Garcia et al. (2018), “Sustainable Trail Management in Philippine Protected Areas,” outlines strategies for designing trails that minimize ecological impact, such as proper signage, designated paths, and controlled visitor access.
This approach ensures that recreational activities coexist harmoniously with the environment, minimizing disruption to flora and fauna. By adopting sustainable trail management strategies outlined in the study, we strike a balance, allowing people to enjoy nature responsibly while safeguarding the ecological integrity of Philippine protected areas.
Education and Interpretation Programs
In achieving conservation while doing recreation, it is of utmost important that we cultivate environmental education through implementing educational programs that can enhance visitors’ understanding of the ecological and cultural significance of the areas they explore. By doing this approach, the management can demonstrates how interpretive programs contribute to increased visitor awareness and responsible behavior.
Something I pondered…
As we explore the wonders of the outdoors, let us always remember the responsibility we carry to protect and sustain the beauty that nature provides.
With every concepts and self-reflection that I have pondered with this course, I understood that conservation and recreation are really intertwined and interdependent, with each relying on the other for success. By adopting best practices in nature-based leisure and recreation, we can strike a balance that ensures the preservation of natural and cultural resources for future generations.
REFERENCES
Daranak Falls – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos). (2017). Trip Advisor. https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/10/3b/2a/7e/img-20170811-172832-655.jpg
Garcia, J. C., et al. (2018). Sustainable Trail Management in Philippine Protected Areas. Applied Ecology, 22(3), 112-124.
Jones, A., & James, W. (2018). The Role of Recreation in Conservation: An Empirical Study. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 30(2), 222-231.
RCO Home Page – RCO Recreation and Conservation Office Home Page. (n.d.). Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office. https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSo8Lm3nhou6ON3yOTQJboFoTLorMDwIuNIetTGDQuMiY_MT1pC_O1otzNRnn4Fzy_XWPU&usqp=CAU)
Published 5:07 PM December 8, 2023 |
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MENRO’s Waste Diversion Program: A decade implementation for a more sustainable Tanay
By: Aron Jaime Manilag / @eyronisaur
TANAY, RIZAL — Dealing with waste is a very hard task to do, what more if it’s the whole municipality’s waste you are dealing with? For over a decade, Tanay Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) continues to develop programs in dealing with the municipality’s waste. These programs are aimed to further reduce the municipality’s solid waste in support of the promotion of a more sustainable Tanay.
In 2011, the implementation of the solid waste management program and the utilization of the Central Materials Recovery Facility (CMRF) in Tanay was not concrete, the enforcement was not strict, and only present for compliance. The municipality also lacks 10-year solid waste management plan which is a mandate of Republic Act No. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
MENRO learned that over 50% of Tanay’s solid waste was recyclable materials which could be reduced, reused and recycled, hence, MENRO proceeded in making their program proposal regarding the programs for waste diversion.
The proposal was approved by the National Solid Waste Management only on 2016, but since 2011 the office worked on other existing programs and redesign it to further comply with the mana date of RA 9003.
Tanay Waste Diversion Program (WDP) is a set of programs which initially aimed to reduce the municipality’s solid waste by 15 percent every three years, starting in 2011. The program is also intended to impose a better attitude on its citizens in terms of proper waste management.
During the first years of the implementation of the program, years 2011 to 2013, it only had an annual PhP1 million budget. But in these same years, they reduced 17 percent of the solid waste in Tanay, even more than 2% of their target.
By 2014 to 2016, the program continued to implement. MENRO was given a bigger budget, the programs became more serious, and each program increased with more tasks and workload. Thus, on 2017, Tanay LGU increased its human resources for further enforcement of the programs.
Programs implemented under Waste Diversion Program
As of 2022, there are four programs under the Waste Diversion Program (WDP) implemented by Tanay MENRO and the Local Government Unit (LGU). These programs are the following:
- Basura Mo, Palit Gamit Eskwela Program/Basura Mo, Palit Gamit Program,
- Program Charcoal Briquette,
- Basuraffle, and
- Organic Fertilizer Production.
University students from Tanay, Rizal province, turn over bags of residual waste for a chance to participate in “Basuraffle.” PHOTO COURTESY OF TANAY, RIZAL MENRO.
University students from Tanay, Rizal province, turn over bags of residual waste for a chance to participate in “Basuraffle.” PHOTO COURTESY OF TANAY, RIZAL MENRO.
Basura Mo, Palit Gamit Eskwela Program is the first program implemented since 2011, where school supplies are exchanged for recyclables which can be purchased by junk shops. Recyclable items (newspaper, cans, PET bottles, etc.) can be converted into basic school supplies such as writing pads, notebooks, pencils, ball pens, crayons, sharpeners, etc. using a point system methodology.
The target of this program is preschoolers up to Grade 3 or sometimes even Grade 4, as this program also covers Basura Mo Short Story Telling, where MENRO volunteers and officials perform a skit to teach and encourage students to practice proper waste segregation and disposal.
Because it is a blockbuster, from implementation in Población barangays only, MENRO brought the program to mountain barangays even in the farthest barangay of Sta. Ines. By 2015, the program was renamed to Basura Mo, Palit Gamit Program, and instead of just preschoolers to Grade 4, MENRO further expanded the target of the program, involving even adults. Detergent, bleach, dishwashing liquid, and other home utilities are added to materials that can be exchanged for recyclables. By 2018, organic fertilizer was added as more and more Indigenous People (IP) are participating in the program whose main livelihood is farming.
Over more than a decade of program implementation, MENRO learned that the program improved Tanayans’ sense of responsibility in waste segregation. In an assessment conducted in 2021, the office found a 7.8% decline in the town’s unsegregated solid waste from 2011 to 2021.
From 2011 to 2015, Basura Mo, Palit Gamit Program was participated by approximately 5,000 citizens in Tanay, while the years 2016 to 2021 recorded an estimated 8,000 to 11,000 citizens participating in the program.
On the other hand, Forester Villanueva, Head Officer of MENRO said that Tanay, especially in the mountain barangays is a hotspot of illegal logging. So MENRO thought of making a program about this issue as well.
Program Charcoal Briquette which launched in 2015 aims to divert charcoal production from charcoal made by trees produced from illegal logging to charcoal made by biowastes such as coconut shells and husk from buko juice vendors, corn leftovers, and other materials that can be included in the process of making biowaste charcoal briquettes. Under this program, Tanay IPs were also taught about the proper carbonization process to produce charcoal instead of the process which involves digging in the soil. Once raw materials are made, it is bought by LGU in the communities for PhP5 per two briquettes.
The program did well in its first three years as 150 illegal loggers left illegal logging and chose the production of carbonized charcoal briquettes. But at present, the problem of illegal logging is still unresolved as illegal loggers grew 1.5% since 2015. As many of them, especially IPs do not understand the process of the production and due to the growing tourism of Tanay, they chose to be in the tourism industry as tour guides and left the production of charcoal briquettes.
The program is still implemented today, but only 23 individuals remained.
Basuraffle is another program under WDP launched in 2016, it aims to improve the citizen’s attitude toward proper waste segregation by giving them the drive to boost their participation. In this program, a kilogram of good residuals such as dry plastics or papers has 12 equivalent tickets for the monthly Basuraffle held every month-end at Tanay Park. Prizes include a rice cooker, electric kettle, steamer, electric fan, and other home appliances.
“Malaking tulong talaga ang basuraffle, natuto na kaming mag-segregate nang maayos, may pag-asa ka pang manalo ng mga gamit sa bahay,” said Jerlyn Nocande, a 37-year-old resident of Brgy. Plaza Aldea who won two prizes from Basuraffle last April.
The program is WDP’s biggest program implemented, as it was participated by schools, churches, and organizations. Every month-end before the pandemic, an estimated of 1,000 to 2,500 participants gathered in Tanay Park carrying their sacks of good residuals in exchange for the raffle tickets. Quarterly, MENRO is receiving an average of 6 tons of good residuals, which helps in reducing the municipality’s solid wastes thrown into landfills. Since its implementation, the program contributed to 2/5 of the diverted wastes of Tanay.
In 2017, MENRO became in-charge in the administration of Tanay Public Market as many violations have been recorded by its former administrator due to negligence and improper implementation of rules. Later that year, MENRO together with LGU came up with a new program, Organic Fertilizer Production. The program aims to lessen the waste produced by the public market. Slaughterhouses and wet market wastes, spoiled fruits, vegetable rejects, and other biowastes which are categorized as raw materials for making organic fertilizer are sent to the CMRF for the production process of organic fertilizer.
Household biowaste, on the other hand, is dumped in large compost pits. And after six months, it will be dug up and distributed to schools as fertilizers for Gulayan sa Paaralan.
“Hindi mo naman talaga sigurado na 100% biowaste ‘yun, minsan may konting plastic. So ang ginagawa namin, kapag hinuhukay namin, ‘yung mga plastik na nakukuha namin, itatapon na ulit namin sa landfill,” For. Villanueva noted.
Since its implementation, the program has sold 50 to 100 sacks of organic fertilizer every three months, while 75-150 sacks of organic fertilizer have been distributed to mountain communities, schools, and program partners as fertilizer subsidies. The program also contributes significantly to saving more budget on landfill disposal fees.
Enforcement of the WDPs
Enabling measures have been established to assure the program’s long-term sustainability. A well-defined organizational structure, community engagement, partnerships, monetary support, and information dissemination are among them.
As garbage collectors and LGU are the prime movers of the RA 9003, twice a year MENRO has Capacity Development (Capdev) workshops for collectors, drivers, and barangay staff to further enhance the enforcement of the programs on the barangay level.
Weekly, every barangay should be able to deliver good residuals in the Residual Containment Area (RCA), through Capdev workshops, garbage collectors became more aware of further segregation on trucks. RCA is also for temporary storage only, because once a week CEMEX, a building material company and one of WDP’s partners, takes trucks of good residuals from RCA.
To this day, WDP has diverted 142.81 tons of waste, a saving of an estimated 20 to 30 trucks of waste that costs landfill disposal fees. Republic Cement, on the other hand, takes over the wastes that CEMEX did not take such as trimmings on the seams, tire rubber, etc. if it is in small pieces. This partnership keeps the municipality saving more budget on the supposed landfill fees.
MENRO also elicits support from various sectors and builds partnerships to broaden the implementation of the different WDPs. Junk shops help buy residuals, schools in Tanay partnered with programs such as Basuraffle and Basura Mo, Palit Gamit Eskwela, the church helps with additional announcements about the program, while Non-Government Organizations are for additional personnel in its mobilization.
“Pero ang pinaka-the best na mero’n ang bayan ng Tanay, napaka-participative ng community. Isang invite mo lang, sumusunod sila agad,” For. Villanueva said.
Challenges faced by the implementation of the programs
And even though the programs seem to be running smoothly, there are still problems and challenges faced by MENRO in implementing these programs.
Some program implementations are delayed because program compliance is not internalized. It is rare for barangay captains and councilors to have the initiative to enforce the garbage law.
Hence, more training about program implementations is held every three months. MENRO believes that if barangay officials learn to participate in these programs, it will be a huge help to the municipality. Just last year, 2021, the municipality paid Php8 million just for the disposal in landfills. Of the PhP8 million, if segregation starts from the barangay, PhP3 to PhP4 million will be saved.
For this matter, MENRO expresses that the enforcement of the program should not be reliant on the barangay officials and continues to request the Sanggunian ng Bayan to review the necessary measures to find out what exactly should be included in the next ordinances regarding the programs. Carmela Pandian, 39, a resident of Brgy. Mag-ampon said that the implementation of the program is not concrete since she observed that programs lack an effective way of information dissemination. Although she wanted to know the new updates about the program, he had no source because there is no information board at their Barangay Hall there, there is also a lack or no updates at all seen on the Facebook page of MENRO.
Ommen Santos, 43, from Brgy. Sampaloc, on the other hand, expressed that not everyone is covered by the program, there are still some who have not been mobilized by the WDPs.
“Sinisikap naman namin siyang solusyunan para mas malaman ng mga taga-Tanay ang programa, at mas ine-enhance natin ang programa para mas maraming maabot ito,” said For. Villanueva.
Decade implementation of the Waste Diversion Program
The garbage problem is still one of the most serious and yet critical social issues prevailing not only in the Población area but also in the rural areas, but with over a decade since its first program’s inception, the accumulated volume of wastes reduced from 2011 to 2021 is 3,245,986 cubic meters. These programs have also helped the municipality to save Php10-Php8 million per year in solid waste management fees, including fees for logistics and landfill disposal.
Joy Rodriguez, 29, from Brgy. Tandang Kutyo also shared her views on the different waste diversion programs provided by Tanay MENRO. “Napansin ko na talagang wala nang pakalat-kalat na mga bote diyan sa labas namin, talagang effective ang programa, nag-aagawan pa nga minsan sa mga residuals,” she said. While Rose Mary Omido, 32, said that Basura Mo, Palit Gamit Program helped her save more money as she converted their residuals for her children’s school supplies.
For. Villanueva, on the other hand, said that these programs will continue if everything that needs to be addressed is not resolved. “So far, so good ang ating programa. Siguro kung step one to 10 ang RA 9003 [Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000,] nasa step five na tayo,” For. Villanueva added.
For further enhancement of WDP for the coming years, MENRO plans the municipality to have its Waste Treatment Facility, as well as a landfill that is inclusive to the municipality.
The decade implementation of WDP not just enabled MENRO to assess the issue concerning the waste diversion of the municipality, but as well as earn accolades with these initiatives. Tanay MENRO WDP’s output is recognized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Manila Bay, under the Supreme Court Mandamus as Tanay became a three consecutive platinum awardee from 2019 to 2021.
Published 9:35 PM November 20, 2022 |
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