Various environmental groups had raised grave concern in recent years over the possible adverse impact of reclamation projects on Manila Bay.
Thus, they unanimously hailed the announcement by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on August 8 that all except one of the ongoing reclamation projects had been suspended.
“They’re all suspended. All reclamation [projects] are under review. Only one proceeded because it has already been reviewed,” the President said, apparently referring to the New Manila International Airport being built in Bulakan, Bulacan.
“There are many problems. We saw many [of the projects] are not being conducted properly… Because if they all push through, many rivers will be clogged, including the ones emptying into Manila Bay. The water will have nowhere to go. Even on Roxas Boulevard, the sea will disappear,” he explained.
Environmental groups such as the Advocates of Science and Technology for the People (Agham) welcomed the President’s pronouncement, calling it “a victory made possible by the collective efforts of various organizations who had tirelessly campaigned against reclamation for years.”
Even the US government had raised similar concerns, as their embassy located along the shoreline of Manila Bay faced the threat of flooding.
It also said one of the Chinese construction firms involved in reclamation work in Manila Bay had been blacklisted for taking part in building artificial islands with military fortifications in the South China Sea.
Data from the Philippine Reclamation Authority showed that 22 reclamation projects in Manila Bay were at various stages of development when the President announced his decision to suspend nearly all reclamation within the vital body of water.
Half of these had been issued permits and are already underway.
Why is Manila Bay important?
It has been identified as a key biodiversity area by the DENR and environmental groups.
Over eight species of shellfish and 50 species of fish can be found deep in the bay’s waters.
Among these wide varieties of fish species is Sardinella pacifica, a new species discovered in Manila Bay in 2019.
Aside from being identified as a spawning area of sardines, Manila Bay also serves as an important habitat for millions of migratory birds from the northern hemisphere.
Environmental groups are now pushing for the government to not only extend the moratorium to all reclamation projects across the country but also permanently stop these projects as “these put in peril food security, violate our constitutional rights to a healthy, balanced, safe and resilient environment and the rights of artisanal fisherfolk and coastal communities to access their fishing grounds and livelihood.”
Will the government listen to their plea? Let’s wait and see.
