WATER HYACINTHS: FROM FLOOD HAZARD TO ECONOMIC RESOURCE

WATER HYACINTHS: FROM FLOOD HAZARD TO ECONOMIC RESOURCE

In the endless cycle of floods that plague our country, garbage often gets the blame. And yes, plastic waste clogging our canals and esteros is a major culprit. But if we’re being honest, there’s another silent but fast-growing contributor that barely makes the headlines: the water hyacinth—a floating plant that chokes rivers, blocks sunlight, and suffocates marine life.

For many of our rivers and lakes, these invasive plants are more than just an eyesore. They’re a slow-moving ecological disaster. In places like Laguna de Bay, they don’t just block boats and fish cages—they block development.

Let’s clarify first. Water hyacinths (Eichhornia crassipes) are not the same as pink water lilies (Nymphaea pubescens), though they’re often mistaken for each other. The lilies are slower-growing and not as destructive. It’s the water hyacinths that form dense mats across the surface of rivers and lakes, turning once-navigable waterways into green parking lots.

---

A Beauty with a Dark Side

Yes, ironically, water hyacinths are beautiful. Their lavender flowers are deceptively charming. But beneath the surface, they cause real harm. By blocking sunlight and consuming oxygen, they kill fish and other aquatic life, degrading the very ecosystems that thousands of fisherfolk depend on.

What’s worse? These plants thrive in polluted water. In fact, the dirtier the water, the faster they grow—making them both a symptom and a consequence of our water pollution crisis.

---

So, What Do We Do?

Let’s start with the obvious: harvesting them is necessary. We need local governments to be more aggressive in clearing these invasive species. But here’s the bigger question: what do we do with them after they’re pulled out of the water?

Many suggest turning them into animal feeds. But there’s a risk there. Since water hyacinths absorb heavy metals and pollutants, feeding them to livestock or poultry—especially when harvested from dirty waterways—could be dangerous. The same goes for consuming them as human food, even though technically they’re edible.

So that leaves us with non-edible uses—and this is where the opportunity lies.

---

From Waste to Wealth

Did you know that water hyacinths can be transformed into handicrafts, paper, and organic fertilizer? Even more impressive: they can be processed into fibers and fabrics.

Globally, there’s growing interest in sustainable textile materials. And in the Philippines, we already have a tradition of using plant-based fibers like abaca, pineapple, banana, and maguey. Water hyacinth fiber could easily become part of this eco-fabric revolution—if we support the right institutions.

---

Two Agencies, One Mission

I propose that President Marcos give a joint mandate to the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) under DOST and the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) under the DA.

PTRI specializes in textile R&D—experimenting with new blends, improving fabric quality, and developing eco-friendly materials. PhilFIDA, on the other hand, supports the entire fiber value chain—from farming to processing and trade regulation.

Some might say there’s overlap. I say there’s synergy waiting to happen. Imagine a coordinated program where water hyacinth fiber is studied, tested, and commercialized for both fashion and industrial uses. We could have communities along Pasig River or Laguna de Bay producing sustainable textile products instead of just clearing weeds.

---

Clean Water, Cleaner Profits

Here’s an important note: we can only unlock the full potential of water hyacinths after we clean our waters. As long as pollution levels remain high, their use in food and feed products will remain unsafe. But the moment we restore our rivers and lakes to health, these plants could become a source of protein, biomass, and even biofuel.

Cleaner waters also mean more fish, better aquaculture, and stronger livelihoods for the communities that rely on inland fishing.

---

Turning a Problem into Potential

Let’s not make the mistake of seeing water hyacinths as just another nuisance. They are a problem, yes—but also a resource. They are evidence of pollution—but also agents of recovery. With the right science, technology, and policy support, we can turn this invasive plant into income.

In the long term, we must match our flood control and clean-up campaigns with innovative circular economy thinking. The very things that cause us trouble today might be what save us tomorrow—if we act smartly and sustainably.

So I ask again: What do we do with water hyacinths?

Answer: We create livelihoods, we clean our waters, and we reclaim our rivers—one fiber at a time.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

08-18-2025