Local governance of Gunao Lake,Tikub Lake and Dagatan Lake: Small lakes of the Mount Banahaw–San Cristobal–Malepunyo Corridor,Philippines |
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| Authors: | B B C Brillo |
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| Affiliation: | Institute for Governance and Rural Development, College of Public Affairs and Development, University of the Philippines Los Ba?os, Los Ba?os, Philippines |
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| Abstract: | Although many lakes in the Philippines are threatened, the effectiveness of their governance has not received sufficient attention to date. This predicament is most severe in regard to small lakes as their localized governance has least been given consideration over the years. Predicated on this observation, this study explores the local governance of three small lakes (Gunao Lake; Tikub Lake; Dagatan Lake) situated between the Mount Banahaw–San Cristobal and Mount Malepunyo area. Specifically, it analyses the role of local governments in managing and developing the small lakes. Using data from interviews, observations and the few existing documents on these lakes, this study contends that the main feature of governance regarding the three lakes is the Municipal Governments’ commitment and determination, which is consequential in their development over time. For Gunao Lake, the failure of the Municipal Government of Dolores to link the development of the lake with the tourism agenda in the Mount Banahaw area has resulted in its lack of tourism development. For Tikub Lake, the consistent push of the Municipal Government of Tiaong for its tourism agenda is key in the incremental improvement and preservation of the lake. For Dagatan Lake, the persistence of the Municipal Government of San Antonio in pursuing the restoration project and searching for a patron to finance the endeavour is crucial in the revival of the lake. Overall, this study highlights the distinct praxis of local governance regarding each of these small lakes, extends scholarship in regard to lake governance and offers a broad template for managing the many existing small lakes in the country. |
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| Keywords: | Dagatan Lake Gunao Lake local governance Philippines Small Lake Tikub Lake |
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