MACARTHUR, Leyte — The local government here is eyeing to transform Lake Bito into an eco-tourism destination following the relocation of several residents living near the lake on August 18.
Mayor Rene Leria said on Wednesday transferring families away from the lake has improved the water quality due to absence of runoff from houses.
“When residents were still living near Lake Bito, there was a high presence of coliform bacteria. But now that the residents were relocated, it goes back to normal level,” Leria said in an interview.
Surrounded by a mountain and rice fields, Lake Bito is a picturesque 126-hectare freshwater lake located five kilometers away from the town center. The lake is also one of sites in the province visited by migratory birds.
It is a major source of livelihood among its residents, who operate tilapia fish pens, while others collects freshwater shellfish.
“But we still need to carefully plan this, since our town don’t have enough budget for this project, but we are eager to develop Lake Bito into an eco-tourism destination to boost livelihood of locals,” Leria said.
The relocated 45 families from Villa Imelda village received the certification of house ownership from the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Saturday.
The PRC housing project also includes installation of 14-solar street lights, drainage system and household level water connection.
PRC Chairman Senator Richard Gordon led the awarding of certificates along with officials from the American Red Cross who provided fund for the housing project.
The Red Cross also built an evacuation center in Villa Imelda.
For Lyza Gitera, their family is happy to live in their new house with water connection and far from the lake.
“I’m thankful to Red Cross for giving us this house. In our old house near the lake, we don’t have a door, just curtains. Now, we have sturdy door with locks, keeping my children safe,” Gitera said.
Aside from Villa Imelda, eight other villages in this town are recipient of housing projects from the Red Cross.
The PRC housing project is also implemented in Alangalang, Mayorga and Tacloban City and intended for very poor towns. (Roel Amazona/PNA)
