Local Awareness, Watershed Action (LAWA): A Grassroots Governance Strategy to Leptospirosis Prevention in Laguna de Bay

¹ School of Arts and Sciences, National University, Philippines, Manila, Philippines
² Office of the Executive Director, National University, Philippines, Pasay City, Philippines
³ Department of Biology, College of Science, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
⁴ Center for Health Sciences, Research Institute for Science and Technology, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
⁵ Meycauayan National High School-Senior High School, Meycauayan, Bulacan, Philippines
⁶ Biology Department, College of Arts and Sciences, New Era University, New Era, Quezon City, Philippines
⁷ Independent Researcher, Philippines

^* Corresponding author: klsandoval@nu-moa.edu.ph

Abstract

Leptospirosis remains a persistent yet underestimated public health threat in the Laguna de Bay region—the Philippines' largest freshwater lake and a vital socio-ecological system. Seasonal flooding, rapid urbanization, poor sanitation, and close human-animal-water interactions heighten the area's vulnerability to disease transmission. Conventional control measures have proven insufficient, underscoring the need for more inclusive and sustainable strategies. This study introduces the Local Awareness and Watershed Action (LAWA) framework, a grassroots governance model for leptospirosis prevention. LAWA empowers fisherfolk, barangay leaders, health workers, and Local Government Units (LGUs) to co-lead disease prevention and watershed management, linking public health with ecosystem care. Grounded in participatory and transdisciplinary principles, it integrates local knowledge, environmental education, and citizen science. Key interventions include mapping flood-prone zones, documenting environmental change, co-developing water quality monitoring tools, and conducting capacity-building workshops for adaptive behavior. Implementation increased hazard awareness, community participation in flood preparedness, and created barangay eco-health committees. LAWA also strengthened coordination between municipal health and environmental offices, fostering integrated water and health governance. By embedding disease prevention within sustainable water governance, LAWA promotes environmental justice, community resilience, and equitable health outcomes.