by Zhanele May Africano
Another batch of crushed dolomite arrived at Manila Bay May 25 for the rehabilitation project phase two.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) confirmed they allotted an additional P265 million budget for the Manila Bay rehabilitation phase two on May 10.
This is after a new batch of dolomite sand arrived April 13 to start the second phase, months after the project drew backlash from netizens.
According to Environment Undersecretary Jonas R. Leones, phase two aims to replenish around 300 meters of the beach stretch from the Manila Yacht Club to the US Embassy.
The budget also includes the installation of solar lights, fences, and a fishing wharf.
Phase two was initially reported to commence in May with pending approval of plans and a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The whole project is expected to be finished by the third quarter of next year.
Meanwhile, Oceana, an international organization that campaigns to save the world’s oceans, urged DENR to stop the Manila Bay rehabilitation after the first dumping of sand for phase two.
Oceana Philippines Vice President Gloria Estenzo-Ramos said in a press release that ‘the government needs to prioritize the people this pandemic rather than the Manila Bay beautification project.’
Estenzo-Ramos claimed the first batch of dolomite sand last year is already in the sea.
“Dolomite dumped in the area from September to December 2020 has already been reclaimed by the sea. From December 2020 to February 2021, this dolomite beach has eroded by at least 300 square meters. They are refilling it again and even extending the area,” she said.
Furthermore, Estenzo-Ramos said other efforts can be made to address environmental issues rather than this ‘beautification’ project of the DENR.
“Instead, efforts can be directed to solving the environmental problems, which include: reducing chemical, organic and plastic pollution; installing water treatment facilities; banning the cutting of mangroves, and rehabilitating degraded areas; stopping conversion of mangroves and wetlands through reclamation projects; protecting critical habitats such as mangroves and wetlands and declare them as protected areas; improving management of protected areas such as the Las Pinas Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area, and establishing formally the Fisheries Management Area for a holistic, science-based decision making on fisheries management,” she added.
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