DENR Defend Its White Sand Project In Manila Bay

DENR Defend Its Manila Bay ‘White Sand Beach’ Project

DENR – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) defended its beautification project in Manila Bay.

As part of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program, they decided to fill the banks with white sand from Cebu. DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said they will transform it into a white sand beach.

Photos and videos of the bay’s makeover have begun to circulate on social media. In a previous article, environmental groups called the DENR’s project a “sham” and “purely aesthetic.”

DENR-White-Sand-Prokect-Manila-Bay — Photo Source: Manila Bulletin

Fernando Hicap, PAMALAKAYA national chairperson said “the DENR doesn’t have any concrete plan to restore the bay that it resorts to focus on external beautification which is actually a sham and artificial, instead of genuine rehabilitation.” Instead of white sand, Hicap said mangroves and seagrasses would be more beneficial to Manila Bay.

Meanwhile, Oceana Vice President Gloria Estenzo Ramos said the government’s white sand project will destroy the coast. She said “ironically, it is the DENR that does not seem to follow the requirements set by law.

DENR-White-Sand-Project-Manila-Bay-2-1 — Photo Source: 2frenchinmanila.com

Scientists also reacted to DENR’s beautification project. A scientist said high tide and storms could wash away Manila Bay’s artificial white sand.

On Friday, September 4, DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda defended its project saying it will discourage people from littering in the area. He told GMA-7’s Unang Balita, “If you will look at it, this is also a sort of awareness to all the people, na alam naman natin na ang tao kapag may kulay puti ay ayaw natin marumihan ito.”

“Ito ay isang information campaign din nang malaman ng tao na kailangan na po natin pangalagaan ang ating Manila Bay na ‘wag na po natin itong dumihan,” he added.

manila bay white sand — Photo Source: ABS-CBN

According to the report, Antiporda said DENR’s white sand project is part of the 389-million-peso beach nourishment initiative for the Manila bay. He also urged the critics of their project to conduct a study first before expressing their opinions. He said the “white sand” they used are made of crushed dolomite.

“In the first place, ang nilagay po diyan ay dolomite boulders na dinurog na talaga naman pong ginagamit ng resorts and beaches bilang white sand nila. Ang content po nito ay calcium carbonate na ganun din ang content ng sea coral. Kung kaya ‘wag po sila masyadong negatibo sa buhay…”

“Doon po sa mga nagsasabi na ‘yung mga tributaries ay hindi daw muna in-address, in-address po lahat ‘yan, lahat pati ‘yung rivers, creeks leading to Manila Bay, lahat ay in-address ‘yan ng ating regional offices,” he added.