Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga said the agency’s review of the 22 reclamation projects in Manila Bay is expected to end “very soon”.
The review is part of President Marcos’ order in May this year to suspend all reclamation projects in Manila Bay amid concerns on their environmetn impact.
“Malapit na, may development (Very soon, there is a development),” Loyzaga said when asked about the review during an ambush interview last Friday, Oct. 13.
However, Loyzaga has refused to provide further details about the Manila Bay reclamation projects they are reviewing.
Several environmental groups have urged the DENR to halt reclamation efforts in Manila Bay, citing the potential detrimental long-term and irreversible environmental repercussions of the reclamation.
“It is clear that these (reclamation) projects have already started, and resulted in an alarming degradation of the environment destroying the mangroves, denying fisherfolk of their fishing livelihood and sources of food, and the destruction of seagrass and the seabed by dredging, thus impeding better habitats and spawning grounds of fisheries resources. This is simply unjust and unacceptable,” said international environmental group Oceana said in a statement.
Fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) has also urged the environment department to stop rye reclamation projects in Manila Bay. It claimed that the recent floodings in the metropolis were due to Manila Bay reclamation projects.
Citing findings of geological experts, Pamalakaya Chairperson Fernando Hicap said that they are “certain that these reclamation projects worsened the flooding in the northern part of Manila Bay.”
“It can be recalled that it was no less than the renowned geologist Dr. Kelvin Rodolfo who raised the geophysical hazards of specific reclamation projects in Manila Bay,” he stated.
“Dr. Rodolfo has identified three geological hazards of reclamation that are relevant to the country’s situation; namely, the danger of land subsidence, danger of storm surge and strong waves caused by typhoons, and danger from seismically induced liquefaction.” — Jel Santos
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