The Save Laguna Lake - Taguig Watershed Project was organized during the District 3830 Service Project Workshop on July 12, 2008 at Kabayan Hotel in Pasay City hosted by the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) and the Department of Environment Natural and Resources (DENR).  It is one of the 3 main project areas of the recently launched Save the Laguna Lake Coalition by LLDA General Manager Edgardo “Ed” Manda, who is also the IPP of RC Makati Central. 

The Save the Laguna Lake Coalition is aimed at consolidating efforts of environmental groups to protect and preserve Laguna Lake, the country's biggest lake and an important watershed for many Metro Manila residents.  GM Manda said, “The unabated intrusion of squatters along the lakeshore remains the biggest threat to Laguna Lake, once considered a ‘living lake’ but which GM Manda now considers as dying because of the pollution brought by squatters and shoreland encroachment, even by local governments.”   For more information, visit the official LLDA website at http://www.llda.gov.ph/.

The Taguig Watershed Project was adopted by sixteen D3830 clubs (as of July 17, 2008), thus forming the Taguig Watershed Group.  The number of member Rotary Clubs may still increase since not all were represented during the workshop.  The lead host club is RC Makati Bel-Air, while for the collection and fund management, the lead club is RC Taguig West.

The main objective of the Taguig Watershed Group is to raise P100,000, or a club contribution of P6,250 each, which will then be matched by RC Makati Central.  The P200,000 will be used to fund the establishment of bamboo nurseries to provide livelihood to the communities within the project’s areas.  The bamboos will be used for the reforestation of the  Taguig watershed.

To help ensure the project’s success, 18 Barangays within the project area need to be organized into Rotary Community Corps (RCCs).  This particular RCC initiative is under the guidance and support of District RCC Chair, PP Harry Dacumos.  But, to make this possible, we need the help of other clubs in the district.  The project proponents, therefore, encourage more clubs to adopt the Save Laguna Lake – Taguig Watershed project and consider it as a district-wide service endeavor. 

Key leaders of the City of Taguig and the Barangays, covered by the Taguig Watershed Project, are involved.  After the dialogue with the community on August 2, 2008, a Memorandum  of Agreement with detailed project plans, implementation mechanics and specific roles, will be signed by all of participants.  For updates on the project’s progress, visit http://savelagunalake.multiply.com/.