senseneres

BALANCE OF BIODIVERSITY

Pardon me, but I am going to touch on a very sensitive topic that may cause some people to become mad at me. Before I proceed any further, I want to make it clear that I am an advocate of livelihood for everyone, and I do not mean to harm or disturb the livelihood of others, especially our poor farmers. That said, I humbly suggest that we should think about how some invasive species of fish are affecting the balance of our biodiversity, even if these are also providing us with our means of livelihood.

Just to be clear, I am not recommending any action yet. My only recommendation at this point is to start the debate on this issue, so that we could arrive at a good decision about what to do next. In fairness to everyone, however, I would like to recommend a neutral party that could moderate the debate, so that there will be no bias. Instead of suggesting the DA or the DENR to become the moderator, I am suggesting DepDev instead. That is what I mean by a neutral moderator.

What good will it do for our country if we make money from raising invasive species and yet also lose money because of the damage to our biodiversity? It is obvious that what we need is a serious techno-economic study that DepDev is very qualified to do; therefore they should be tasked with it. If DepDev decides to accept the challenge, all government agencies should cooperate with them, and give them the data they need. The task will involve a lot of econometrics, data analytics and perhaps also artificial intelligence. The final output should be a recommendation from DepDev whether or not we should resign to the reality of invasive fish. In other words, to give up eradicating them. If DepDev says otherwise, then we should do everything to eliminate them in all our bodies of water. Meanwhile, we should totally eliminate the useless species such as janitor fish and knife fish.

Background: the case of “pla pla” (Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus)

You already laid out many of the key facts: pla pla was introduced in the Philippines around the 1970s (though some references indicate even earlier introductions via fishery programs). It grows fast, reproduces quickly, competes with native fish for food and habitat, degrades habitat, and is reported to contribute to the decline—and, in some cases, extinction—of native species, particularly in places like Lake Lanao. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) classifies it as an invasive exotic species.

But there is also data showing that tilapia and other introduced freshwater fishes have made significant contributions to fish production in the country. In 2012, for example, cultured tilapias, carps, catfishes contributed over ₱20.16 billion in value, producing some 290,513 metric tons to the farmed fish production. From inland freshwater sources, introduced fishes (tilapia, carp, mudfish, catfish, gourami) produced over 88,000 MT worth more than ₱5.3 billion.

So yes: livelihoods, food security, incomes are all on the side of tilapia. We can’t dismiss that easily.

What is DepDev and why they are well-positioned

DepDev is the Department of Economy, Planning and Development, the newly created executive department under Republic Act No. 12145, which reorganized the former National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Among its mandates are socioeconomic planning, coordination, monitoring and advising policymakers.

Given this, entrusting DepDev with assessing the trade-offs of invasive species seems reasonable. They have the institutional legitimacy, access to data, capacity (assuming sufficient resourcing), and mandate to convene stakeholders. Also, with long-term planning law (they are tasked with a 25-year infrastructure master plan, etc.), they already deal with balancing long-term costs and benefits.

What do we know and what remains unclear

From scientific studies:

A recent paper (on aquaculture in a Malaysian reservoir) shows that native fish catch (CPUE = Catch Per Unit Effort) is significantly lower in sites near tilapia cages compared to distant sites. Several native cyprinid species show >50% reduction in abundance near tilapia cages.
Overlap in diet and habitat between tilapia and many native species means that tilapia are outcompeting them both for food and for reproductive grounds.
On the Philippine side, there is some contradictory evidence: some studies report no evidence of adverse effect on native fish fauna when tilapia are introduced into certain lakes/reservoirs, while others warn about habitat degradation, competition, and loss of biodiversity.
Also important: much is unknown. The ecological impact of many introduced freshwater fish species is poorly documented. According to one review, 62% of introduced freshwater fishes in the country have “unknown” ecological impact, 54% have “unknown” socio-economic impact,

My thoughts, questions and suggestions

Trade-off awareness
We must openly recognize that there are trade-offs: food, livelihoods vs biodiversity loss. The poor farmers and fishers depend on tilapia (and other invasive species) for income and sustenance. Eliminating them cold turkey could hurt vulnerable groups unless there are alternatives.
Transparent data gathering & public engagement
A techno-economic study must be transparent, participatory, inclusive. Involve local fishers, environmental scientists, economists, community leaders. Ensure that local knowledge is respected.
Define criteria for decision
What counts as “too much damage”? Is loss of certain native species irreversible? How to value ecosystem services lost (water quality, recreational fishing, ecotourism)? How to compare with income gains from invasive species farming?
Possible policy options

Management rather than total eradication: e.g., containment, confinement (ponds), avoiding escapees.
Selective elimination in high priority ecosystems (rivers or lakes with endangered natives) but allowing on farms under regulation.
Genetic, biological, or ecological control measures (though risky).
Incentives for farming native species or for cultivation systems that reduce the invasiveness (closed systems, controlled stocking, etc.).

Regulatory and institutional framework
We have the National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (NISSAP) 2020-2030 that aims to address IAS (Invasive Alien Species). Implementation seems weak, and enforcement issues remain. A multi-agency task force is needed (DENR, DA-BFAR, LGUs, academe).
Economic valuation of costs
There is a study that says invasive species cost Southeast Asia about US$33.5 billion per year (losses in agriculture, environment, human health). By knowing similar estimates for the Philippines, we can measure whether benefits from tilapia outweigh hidden costs from biodiversity losses.
Role of DepDev

Commission the study: ecological, economic, social dimensions.
Publish interim findings so public debate can happen.
Ensure legal, budget, and institutional support: data from BFAR, DENR, PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority), academe.
Possibly design compensation or support mechanisms for communities that might be adversely affected under stricter regulation.

Questions to ask

What is the real cost to ecosystems and native species in terms of biodiversity loss, which could translate into losses in ecotourism, cultural heritage, water quality, and resilience?
What are current levels of dependence of fishers, farmers on invasive species for income? Do they have alternatives?
Are there successful case studies—either in the Philippines or elsewhere—where invasive fish have been managed without harming the livelihoods of small farmers?
What are the risks of eradication: environmental, social, economic? Could removal of an invasive species cause unintended damage?

My view / suggestion

If I were to decide, I would lean toward a balanced management approach, not total elimination at this moment. Here's why:

The benefits (food, jobs, income) are real and important, especially for the rural poor.
But uncontrolled spread of invasive species risks irreversible losses of native biodiversity, which in the long run could undermine ecosystem services (clean water, natural fish stocks, ecological resilience) that even fish farmers and consumers depend on.

So, I suggest that we:

Task DepDev with a major study, as proposed.
Meanwhile, strengthen enforcement of measures to prevent escape of tilapia from farms; designate protected water bodies where invasive species are strictly controlled.
Promote aquaculture of native species in parallel (e.g., stock enhancement, culture of indigenous fishes).
Possibly provide subsidies or transition assistance to fish farmers should stricter regulations be imposed.

Let me end with this: what is the kind of country we want in 25, 50 years? One where short-term incomes dominate while we lose our unique lakes, rivers, and native species — or one where biodiversity, culture, and livelihood all survive together? If DepDev helps us frame that debate well, then perhaps we will arrive at the right decision — not easy, but necessary.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres

iseneres@yahoo.com, senseneres.blogspot.com

09088877282/02-15-2026

THE ELECTRIC RIVER FERRY IS HERE

At long last, the electric ferry is finally gliding along the Pasig River. Called the M/B Dalaray — from the Tagalog word daloy, meaning “flow of current” — this vessel is more than just another addition to our public transport system. It is a proud product of Filipino ingenuity, developed by engineers from the University of the Philippines Diliman with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).

The Dalaray can carry 40 passengers and three crew members, powered entirely by a battery-electric propulsion system supported by solar panels. With a range of 45 kilometers per charge and a runtime of up to three hours, it represents a major step toward cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable urban mobility.

However, as proud as I am of this development, I can’t help but note that it took us a decade to get here. Norway launched its first fully electric ferry, the Ampere, back in 2015. Denmark followed in 2019 with Ellen. In short, we are about ten years behind. But instead of complaining, I’d rather focus on what we can do to close that gap faster next time.

A DIFFERENCE IN CONCEPT

The team calls it an electric ferry, but if you ask me, it’s more accurate to call it a Battery-Powered Vehicle (BPV). After all, it runs on stored energy that comes from solar panels. That’s an important distinction. An electric vehicle (EV) is only as clean as the electricity that powers it — and if that electricity comes from coal or oil-fired plants, then we’re just shifting emissions from the tailpipe to the power plant.

That’s why BPV design — with solar-charged batteries — makes more sense for the Philippines. Our tropical climate gives us abundant sunlight all year long. Why not use it directly to power our mobility systems? The Dalaray’s solar integration is what makes it truly sustainable. Without that, it would simply be an electric boat powered by fossil-fuel-generated electricity.

LEARNING FROM HISTORY

This isn’t the first time solar transport has been tried in the Philippines. Remember the Solar8 buses introduced by an Israeli company some years ago? They were ahead of their time — solar-powered public buses that proved the concept could work in our cities. Unfortunately, that venture didn’t last long, but it planted the seed for local innovation like the Dalaray.

The next logical step, therefore, is not just to stop at ferries. If UP engineers can design and build a battery-electric boat, they can certainly develop battery-solar cars, tricycles, and buses. Imagine our public transport system — from road to river — running on locally produced, renewable energy. That’s how we can finally cut our dependence on imported fuel.

A FLOATING SYMBOL OF HOPE

The Pasig River, once a symbol of pollution and neglect, could now become a corridor of innovation and sustainability. With more e-ferries like the Dalaray, river transport could ease Metro Manila’s traffic congestion, reduce emissions, and even attract tourists. It’s a clean, quiet, and scenic route connecting Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, and Taguig — cities long choked by road traffic.

Dr. Lew Andrew Tria, who leads the UP team, deserves commendation. So does DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., who emphasized that this project “proves Filipino engineers can design and deliver technologies that serve both people and the planet.” That statement captures what we need to do as a country — make science serve people, not just sit in research reports.

NEXT STEPS

Now comes the hard part — commercialization. Too often, government-funded innovations end up as one-off prototypes, proudly launched but never mass-produced. If we want to truly make a dent, the DOST, UP, and the Department of Transportation should create a local production program for electric ferries and other BPVs.

Better yet, let’s bring the technology to the barangay level. Imagine small-scale solar-powered ferries connecting island communities, ferrying students to school, or transporting goods across rivers. Cooperatives could operate them, reducing fuel expenses and keeping income within the community.

With over 7,600 islands, the Philippines could be a global showcase for modular, community-scale e-ferries — if we have the vision (and the funding) to make it happen.

QUESTIONS WORTH ASKING

Can we build more charging stations along rivers and coastal towns?
Can we make affordable financing programs so that local operators can buy e-ferries?
Can we standardize battery technology across vehicles — from ferries to jeepneys — to simplify maintenance and supply chains?

These are not impossible goals. What we need is coordination, investment, and political will.

A FINAL THOUGHT

The Dalaray may not be the first electric ferry in the world, but it is a symbol of Filipino persistence. It shows that we can innovate with purpose and create technologies suited to our own realities. If we nurture this mindset — one project, one invention at a time — we may yet close that ten-year gap.

For now, let’s celebrate the fact that the electric river ferry is here — built by Filipino minds, powered by Filipino sunlight, and sailing on a river that, perhaps, is finally flowing toward a cleaner and brighter future.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres

iseneres@yahoo.com, senseneres.blogspot.com

09088877282/02-14-2026