DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY- DASMARIÑAS
Dasmariñas City, Cavite
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE AND TECHNOLOGY
ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT
ARCH511 – Architectural Design 9 (Architectural Thesis 1)
PRELIMINARY THESIS TOPIC SUBMISSION FORM
Name Of Proponent Fernando B. Sta. Teresa IV
Topic/ Working Title A Proposed Algae Forecast Control and Mitigation Center for Monitoring and
Mitigating Blue-Green Algae Overgrowth Specifically in West Bay, Laguna de Bay
Thesis Type Architectural Design
Topic Narratives (limit to one page)
Project Description:
Laguna de Bay is the largest freshwater lake in the Philippines, it faces frequent algal
bloom, particularly blue-green algae overgrowth. This phenomenon creates environmental
problems and health risks to the nearby community. Algal blooms are one of the factors that cause
poor water quality, eutrophication (dead zones), and ecosystem imbalance that affects the nearby
communities in the west bay area of Laguna de Bay. This study proposed to address the
proliferation of algae in Laguna de Bay, and this will serve as a facility for scientific research for
real-time algae forecasting, controlling and mitigating the algal blooms, and ecological restoration
efforts for Laguna de Bay.
Rationale:
An algal bloom is a periodic occurrence in Laguna de Bay, particularly in Central Bay and
West Bay (LLDA, 2025), specifically near the shorelines of Taguig City, Muntinlupa City, and all
the way to Sta. Rosa (West Bay), Laguna on West Bay, as well as various municipals of Rizal
(Central Bay).
Climate change plays a significant role in algal blooms that can occur during El Niño and
La Niña events which can contribute to the rapid growth of algae by shifting temperature and
precipitation. According to the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), algal blooms can be
harmful during decomposition, as it processes of depleting oxygen in water. Oxygen level below 5
mg/L is stressful to the fish and if it further decreases, fish kill can occur.
While there are many types of algae, Microcystis, a blue-green algae which is also
classified as cyanobacteria can be found in West Bay during algal bloom. Microcystis contains
chemical compounds like geosmin and 2-min (Methyl-Isoborneol), which are released in water
when their cells break. As a result, these compounds cause fowl odors and taste problems to many
fishes and emit an earthy smell while the effects of algae exposure can cause headaches and
nausea in humans (LLDA Advisory 2021).
The lake is surrounded by large communities of fisherfolk, where fish pen technology and
aquaculture structures occupy nearly 150km² (around 17%) of the total lake area (Lasco & Javier,
2017). However, rapid population growth, industrialization, and urbanization in nearby areas
contribute to increasing pollution levels. Large amounts of wastewater, fertilizer residue from
croplands, inorganic materials (such as nitrogen and phosphorus), and toxic substances from
industries enter Laguna de Bay, further threatening its eutrophication vulnerability (Tamayo-
Zafaralla et al., 2002; Herrera et al., 2015; Palanca-Tan, 2017).
Algal blooms can significantly degrade the water quality of Laguna de Bay and pose health
risks to humans and animals. Laguna de Bay is a freshwater lake in the Philippines. Freshwater
systems are among the most valuable sources of ecosystem services on earth, although they are
intensely threatened. Freshwater habitats are becoming more vulnerable to climate change, with
disastrous environmental consequences, such as harmful algal blooms (Cihelio Alves Amorim,
Ariadne do Nascimento Moura, 2021).
The water quality of the lake was also affected by the pollutant load due to agriculture and
urban stormwater runoff in the division (Korea Science, 2018). These pollutants contribute to
excessive nutrient levels in the water, further fueling algae growth.
In 2021, Laguna de Bay observed the formation of an algal bloom in the lake triggered by a
combination of numerous factors such as hot weather and the rainy season. Intense algal blooms
may occur in sheltered or cove areas of the lake and places where algal blooms are located use
much oxygen in the water at nighttime for their respiration which could lead to a shortage of
oxygen available for fish stocks in aquaculture structures, particularly in fish pens and fish cages.
Fishkills or death of the fish stocks can happen if the fish fails to recover from stress due to
insufficient oxygen in its habitat. The aquaculture operators are advised to remove them and
dispose outside the lake to prevent more causes of issues. The success of this proposal relies on
the collaboration of LGUs surrounding Laguna de Bay. Their support is crucial to environmental
programs and policies that focus on reducing nutrients, which is one of the primary causes of
algal blooms.
In conclusion, the proposed algae forecast control and mitigation center is a vital plan to
address the recurring algal blooms in West Bay, Laguna de Bay. By providing scientific data and
real-time monitoring, this facility can assist LGUs in developing solutions for better water
management strategies. This proposal emphasizes that by integrating sustainable architecture,
smart technology, and ecological research, this study will help to improve the water quality of
Laguna de Bay. This study will not only contribute to the environmental health of Laguna de Bay
but also promote a sustainable approach to the community in the surrounding regions within
Laguna de Bay.
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