“By 2050, we envision the Pagsanjan-Lumban Watershed to be a thriving haven that provides balanced ecology, sustainable and climate-smart bioproduction systems (agri-fisheries) and ecotourism, co-managed by environmentally conscious, empowered, and disciplined stakeholders uplifting the quality of life of the present and future generations.”
This is the shared 2050 vision statement for the Pagsanjan-Lumban Watershed crafted by around 100 stakeholders representing farmers and fisherfolk, youth, academe, the private sector, and local government units of Cavinti, Kalayaan, Luisiana, Lumban, Magdalena, Majayjay, and Pagsanjan in Laguna and Lucban in Quezon in a workshop held on June 20, 2023.
The multi-stakeholder scenario-building workshop was conducted by the UPLB Interdisciplinary Studies Center for Integrated Natural Resources and Environment Management (UPLB-INREM) held at the Laguna Sports Complex in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, in coordination with the Laguna Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (Laguna PG-ENRO).
The workshop was part of the project “Integration of Traditional and Modern Bioproduction Systems for a Sustainable and Resilient Future Under Climate and Ecosystems Changes (ITMoB).”
The participants identified the challenges and opportunities for the Pagsanjan-Lumban Watershed, envisioned scenarios for the watershed in 2050, and recommended strategies to achieve their shared vision.
To provide direction for the visioning exercise, Dr. Rex Victor Cruz, work package leader for the project and Professor Emeritus at UPLB, discussed the various benefits watersheds could provide to its direct and indirect beneficiaries.
He then encouraged the participants to imagine a 2050 vision for the Pagsanjan-Lumban Watershed that goes beyond their desires and places a high premium on the welfare of future generations.
All sectoral groups crafted their 2050 vision statements for the watershed, which they presented and processed at the plenary.
These vision statements became the basis for the participants to deliberate on and agree on a shared vision statement for the Pagsanjan-Lumban Watershed.
Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez signified his support for the ITMoB Project and expressed gratitude for its contribution to planning and implementation.
According to him, “Ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Laguna ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa UPLB-INREM sa kanilang isinasagawang pag-aaral sa tubig-kanlungan ng Pagsanjan-Lumban na inaasahang makatutulong sa pagpaplano at pagpapatupad ng mga proyekto ng ating nasyonal at lokal na pamahalaan sa watershed management.”
Hernandez enjoined the audience to actively participate in the project. He said, “kaya po sa ating mga kalalawigan na lumahok po sa gawain ngayong araw, ako po ay umaasa sa inyong aktibong partisipasyon sa proyektong ito dahil ang kalalabasan nito ay para po sa ating lahat at sa mga susunod pang salinlahing Lagunense.”
(The Provincial Government of Laguna is extremely grateful to the UPLB-INREM for the project they are implementing in the Pagsanjan-Lumban Watershed, which we believe will help in the planning and project implementation of national and local government units. To the local government units represented here, I am hoping for your active participation in this project since its outputs will benefit us all and the future generations of Lagunense.)
For her part, Laguna Vice Governor Karen Agapay reiterated her support for the project. She discussed the programs, projects, and activities implemented by the provincial government, especially the initiatives that support the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolks.
Dr. Juan Pulhin, ITMoB project leader and UPLB-INREM chair, concluded the event by presenting the project’s ways forward.
Dr. Pulhin emphasized that the workshop outputs will serve as a vital guidepost in crafting science-based future scenarios (Year 2050) for the Pagsanjan-Lumban Watershed.
The ITMoB is a three-year (October 2021-October 2024) collaborative research project under E-Asia Joint Research Program that focuses on integrating traditional and modern bioproduction systems in Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia to explore scenarios and pathways for a resilient and sustainable future under climate and ecosystem changes.
The study evaluates several ecosystem services offered by bioproduction systems under multiple future scenarios.
The project is funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). (Farah Sevilla, Angelica Magpantay, Laizha Lynn Lomente, and Christian Ray Buendia)