Or the hundreds of little lakes in Guinarona, Philippines.
The flow of the Guinarona river now is a bit straightened. Where before it used to zigzag like a slithering snake.
Partly to mitigate floods and partly to eradicate Schistosomiasis, the Philippine government borrowed funds from the World bank to straighten the river’s flow. In the process, hundreds of little lakes were created, where the river used to pass.
Guinarona used to be one of Leyte’s epicenters for Schistosomiasis.
Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a disease caused by parasitic worms. Although the worms that cause schistosomiasis are not found in the United States, more than 200 million people are infected worldwide. In terms of impact this disease is second only to malaria as the most devastating parasitic disease. Schistosomiasis is considered one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).CDC, All About Schistosomiasis
The disease is now history, and Guinarona has been free from it since the 70’s, when the river flow correction was implemented.
Meanwhile, practically all of the Naliwatan are without any development. They contain water, yes, and they don’t dry up. So seeding them with tilapia is a winner, as far as livelihood goes. And an added exercise would be to beautify these lakes akin to public parks.
Development templates for Guinarona 
Ben, it is important that you have project studies for specific development solutions so that when the opportunity of funding comes along you are ready. Maybe you would have advocates who contribute by way of bankable project studies.
Very cool, and thanks. Or have you heard that the Philippines is now a newly industrialized country. As per “Field of Dreams,” they (advocates) will hopefully come.