Lake Lanao

Background Information of Lake Lanao

Lake Lanao in Lanao del Sur is one of 17 ancient lakes in the world and the second largest freshwater lake in the country. It is a reservoir for the Agus hydroelectric power plants which generates 55-65% of Mindanao’s power. The lake’s only outlet is Agus River which drains into Iligan Bay. Lake Lanao is also a major source of food and livelihood and serves as a transport highway and venue for religious and cultural activities of communities living in the area. Lake Lanao was proclaimed as a watershed reservation in 1992 through Presidential Proclamation 971 to ensure protection of forest cover and water yield for hydropower, irrigation and domestic use. The watershed occupies an area of 153,008 hectares and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including 18 cyprinid species that are endemic to the lake lanao

Lake  Lanao  is  the   largest  and  deepest  freshwater  lake  in  the  country  covering  an  area   of     35,250  hectares with maximum  depth  of  112  meters. It is a large, oligotrophic lake formed by tectonic volcanic damming of a basin between two mountain ranges and the collapse of a large volcano (Mallari and Tabaranza, 2003). The Lake is the home to about 18 endemic fish species, 14 of which are almost extinct. It drains to Iligan Bay, some 37 kilometers from Marawi City, through its only outlet, the Agus River. 

Lake Lanao's Characteristics (photo: Rosagaron, Roman P. "Lake Lanao: Its Past and Present Status." (2001): 29-39. Print.)

Location and Map of Lake Lanao

History of Lake Lanao

A Maranao myth describes the formation of the lake. It is said that a group of angels under the command of Gabriel removed the vast population of Mantapoli to prevent the world from tipping over. The hole that was left was filled with water and threatened to drown the rest of the world. In response, the angels enlisted the help of the Four Winds to gouge out an outlet. The hole became Lake Lanao and the outlet became the Agus river. A Meranaw is a spoken or language of Maranao people.

Lake Lanao and its Benefits

The lake supports a major fishery, and is important for recreational activities including boating, swimming and sport fishing. The Lanao Lake and Agus River system generates 70% of the electricity used by the people of Mindanao.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Lanao

http://www.arcbc.org.ph/wetlands/philippines/phl_laklanao.html

http://www.articlesbase.com/culture-articles/lake-lanao-an-ancient-lake-and-cultural-identity-5867281.html

http://www.chm.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=102%3Ainland-waters-biodiversity-lakes-lake-lanao&catid=36%3Abiodiversity-in-the-philippines&Itemid=91