Under the leadership of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., the Provincial Government of South Cotabato intensified its people centered environmental protection drive after clearing more than 51,500 square meters of water lilies and water hyacinths from Lake Sebu and Lake Selotonin December 2025, strengthening water security and safeguarding the livelihoods of lakeshore communities.Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Siegfred Flaviano said the intervention directly supports the flagship governance agenda of the governor by protecting basic community needs while promoting long term environmental sustainability.
“Our lakes are vital sources of food, water, and livelihood for our people. By removing invasive plants and regularly monitoring water source areas, we are ensuring that communities around Lake Sebu and nearby areas continue to have safe and reliable water while preserving the ecological balance of these important freshwater systems,” Flaviano said.
The large-scale cleanup was carried out by personnel from the Office of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer as part of the province’s Forest and Inland Water Management Program.
“The activity focused on removing invasive aquatic plants that restrict water flow, reduce oxygen levels, and threaten fisheries and potable water sources relied upon by residents,” Flaviano said.
Alongside the cleanup, the province monitored and inspected 33 hectares of water source areas across several barangays in Lake Sebu and Banga to ensure the sustainability of potable water supplies.
Provincial environment officials noted that unchecked growth of water lilies and hyacinths can clog waterways, worsen flooding risks, and degrade water quality, making routine intervention essential for public welfare.
Environmental groups and water resource experts have long emphasized that invasive aquatic plants pose serious threats to inland lakes, particularly those serving as domestic water sources.
By combining cleanup operations with regular monitoring, the provincial government aims to prevent recurring infestations and reduce long term rehabilitation costs.
The initiative reflects the provincial government’s broader commitment to responsive and people centered governance, where environmental protection is treated as a public service that directly affects health, livelihood, and disaster resilience.
Officials said similar lake and watershed management activities will continue across the province to ensure that natural resources remain protected for present and future generations.
