LAKE SEBU, South Cotabato – The Provincial Government of South Cotabato reinforced its environmental protection and climate resilience efforts following the successful conduct of the 2026 World Wetlands Day Celebration and Lake Clean Up at Lake Lahit in Barangay Lahit Lake Sebu recently.
The program is aligned with the flagship governance agenda of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. which emphasizes people centered governance sustainable development and the delivery of public services that generate direct and lasting benefits for communities.
Siegfred Flaviano, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, said the activity was spearheaded by the Forest and Inland Water Management Division in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Lake Sebu through the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office and the Barangay Local Government Unit of Lahit.
“The coordinated clean up resulted in the removal of approximately 1600 square meters of water lily from a portion of Lake Lahit,” Flaviano said.
The lake clean-up forms part of the continuing Lake Clean Up Initiative of the Provincial Government of South Cotabato which covers Lake Lahit Lake Seloton and Lake Sebu.
Flaviano said the initiative reflects the current administration’s focus on translating environmental policies into tangible outcomes on the ground.
“The removal of excessive water lilies helps restore ecological balance improve water quality and sustain fish populations which are critical to food security assssnd local livelihoods,” he explained.
Flaviano added that environmental protection under the present administration is treated as a core public service that strengthens climate resilience safeguards natural resources and improves the quality of life of South Cotabateños.
Meanwhile, unmanaged growth of water lilies can restrict water movement, reduce oxygen levels and disrupt aquatic ecosystems posing long term risks to fisheries and freshwater resources.
Regular clean-up activities are therefore essential to maintaining healthy inland water and preventing ecological degradation.
The activity coincided with the global observance of World Wetlands Day held every February 2 to raise awareness on the role of wetlands in sustaining life and supporting climate adaptation.
According to the Biodiversity Conservation Society of the Philippines wetlands help reduce flooding and drought store carbon and provide food and shelter for diverse species including fish birds plants and microorganisms.
The Provincial Government of South Cotabato reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining environmental management initiatives as part of its broader governance framework aimed at protecting natural ecosystems, strengthening public services and promoting inclusive and resilient development across the province.
