Reclamation projects contradict Manila Bay rehab – DENR
Credit to Author: Sheila Crisostomo| Date: Thu, 17 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0800
MANILA, Philippines — Reclamation projects in Manila Bay are contradicting efforts to rehabilitate the area, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
“If there were misdeeds, if there were any kind of infraction in terms of the rules, we will certainly be able to look into possible sanctions,” Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said yesterday during House deliberations on the DENR’s proposed P24.57-billion 2024 budget.
President Marcos’ decision to suspend 22 reclamation projects will give way to a Community Impact Assessment that will “mitigate the possible impacts of the changes in the environment that the reclamation may actually cause,” according to Loyzaga.
The impact assessment will be conducted by a team of physical and chemical oceanographers, marine biologists, geologists, climate scientists and social scientists.
Companies conducting dredging activities in Manila Bay despite Marcos’ earlier directive to suspend reclamation projects should be issued a cease and desist order, environmental groups urged the DENR.
Oceana Philippines vice president Gloria Estenzo Ramos said the conflicting data on reclamation projects from the DENR and Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) proves a lack of coordination among agencies involved.
The DENR, contrary to PRA’s report of 13 approved reclamation projects, said that 15 reclamation projects in the National Capital Region have been impacted by Marcos’ suspension directive.
“It shows lack of coordination among agencies from the start of the process. It is so sad that the impact is in the health of our environment and livelihood of our people,” Ramos noted.
Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas national chairman Fernando Hicap said there are vessels still dredging off the shores of Rosario, Noveleta, Tanza and Naic in Cavite.
“The DENR has the power to issue cease and desist orders… Even the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources can issue cease and desist orders if these companies are involved in illegal and prohibited practices,” Hicap noted.
The United States embassy in Manila earlier expressed concern that China Communications Construction Co., involved in the reclamation projects, was blacklisted in the US due to its role in helping the Chinese military construct and militarize artificial islands in the South China Sea.
Data from the DENR showed there are 15 reclamation projects in NCR and seven in Region 4-A.
Marcos had ordered the suspension of 22 reclamation projects pending review of their compliance with environmental regulations and their impact.
The projects were approved by the previous Duterte administration. — Bella Cariaso