Geography of the Philippines Bay. Laguna de Bay, east of Manila Bay, is the largest freshwater lake in the Philippines. Several rivers have been harnessed for hydroelectric power. To protect the country's biological resources, the government has taken a first step of preparing a Biodiversity Action Plan to address conservation of threatened species. The islands are volcanic in origin, being part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, and are mostly mountainous. The highest point in the country is the peak of Mount Apo in Mindanao, which is above sea level. The second highest point can be found on Luzon at Mount Pulag, a peak
Laguna del Barco Erilla in a round trip hike of , that should take about five hours. Shepherds huts along the route provide shelter. The lake is used as a reservoir, and no camping is allowed in the valley. The route, which is not difficult, passes through country of great natural beauty. Notes Citations Sources Laguna del Barco Laguna del Barco is a glacial lake in the Sierra de Gredos near the town of El Barco de Ávila, in the province of Ávila, Spain. The lake is at an altitude of . It lies in a long glacial valley on the north side