Green group pushes for ‘critical habitat’ tag on Quezon’s Dagatan Lake
LUCENA CITY – An environmentalist group urged government authorities to declare the two-hectare Dagatan Lake Quezon province as a “critical habitat” to protect its remaining flora and fauna, particularly an endangered duck species.
“This (critical habitat declaration) will protect wildlife and its habitat, particularly the endangered Philippine duck (Anas luzonica), locally known as the ‘papan’ along with other abundant species of fish, mollusks, and birds found in the lake,” Jay Lim, project officer of Tanggol Kalikasan (Defense of Nature) said in an interview on Friday.
The Philippine duck is known as “the tropical version of the mallard,” a type of duck commonly found in more temperate regions. It is listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list of threatened species in 2011 as vulnerable.
The designation of the critical habitat is in accordance with Republic Act (RA) No. 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. Critical habitats are areas preserved to support the existence of a certain plant or animal species, whether they are migratory or naturally occurring in an area.
“The recommendation for Dagatan Lake to be established as critical habitat is crucial for its protection and continued rehabilitation,” Lim emphasized.
Remarkable recovery
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Calabarzon (DENR Region 4A) reported on its Facebook page last month that “papan” which they noted as “once on the brink of disappearance, has seen a remarkable recovery – from only three individuals recorded in 2016 to 308 in 2024.”
The DENR also noted that aside from its natural beauty, the two-hectare Dagatan Lake, tucked between Tayabas City and the towns of Mauban and Pagbilao, remains a focal point for environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.
“Efforts such as reforestation, wildlife monitoring, and eco-friendly initiatives are in place to protect its delicate ecosystem,” the agency said.
“It is a great place for activities like bird watching, picnics and even a nature walk. It’s the perfect spot for those looking to escape the city hustle and reconnect with nature,” the DENR explained.
Dagatan Lake is the only wetland in Quezon where water is suitable for drinking.
The lake sits at 170 meters above sea level, surrounded by limestone hills that rise to 400 meters at their highest peak, the DENR described its location.
Lim urged all stakeholders to avoid complacency with the positive statistics on Dagatan Lake. He pushed for the collective efforts of the public and private sectors to protect the lake from threats of irresponsible visitors particularly wildlife hunters.
Lim also expressed alarm on the threats posed by development.
Collective efforts
“The lake will become easily accessible due to construction of roads near the vicinity of the lake,” he said.
Lim noted that an assessment conducted in 2011 revealed that the Philippine Duck’s population was “threatened by relentless hunting and the relentless encroachment of habitat destruction.”
Lim said the proposed designation promises more than just a government label.
“It translates to tangible protection – legal safeguards against poachers and developers, ensuring the lake’s delicate ecosystem remains undisturbed,” he stressed.
According to the DENR, the local governments of Tayabas, Mauban, and Pagbilao have supported the proposed declaration of Dagatan Lake as a critical habitat.
The agency said quarterly monitoring and patrolling have been regularly conducted at the lake since 2016.
According to Lim, the Tayabas City Environment and Natural Resources Office, in collaboration with local environmentalist group Tapat-Kalikasan, has been conducting regular biodiversity monitoring program in Dagatan Lake.
The monitoring identified 85 bird species, representing 36 avian families. However, Lim expressed alarm that the monitoring also revealed the presence of endangered and threatened species.
“Imagine a hidden oasis, a two-hectare mirror reflecting the sky. This is Dagatan Lake, a place where time seems to slow, and nature thrives. But this tranquil haven is more than just a picturesque escape; it’s a battleground for the survival of the endangered ‘papan’” Lim described the lake.
