Laguna de Bay

Laguna de Bay is the largest lake in the Philippines, occupying a broad basin southeast of Metro Manila and bordering the provinces of Laguna and Rizal. It is a major inland waterbody used for fisheries, aquaculture and local transport.

The lake receives inflow from many rivers and drains westward to Manila Bay through the Pasig River. Its extensive shoreline includes towns, agricultural land and urbanised areas that rely on the lake for livelihood and water use.

Human use has shaped the lake for centuries, with traditional fishing and traffic giving way to intensive modern uses that have increased nutrient loads and pollution in parts of the basin. Management and remediation have been ongoing priorities for regional authorities.

Laguna de Bay lies immediately southeast of the Philippines’ capital region, with many towns and cities along its shores and easy road access from Metro Manila.

• Size and role: It is the largest lake in the Philippines by surface area, covering roughly 900 square kilometres and serving as a major freshwater resource for surrounding provinces.
• Hydrology and issues: The lake drains to Manila Bay via the Pasig River and is ecologically and economically important for fisheries and aquaculture but faces significant pollution and water-quality pressures.