DENR’s ‘White Sand Beach’ Project In Manila Bay Elicits Reaction From Senators
MANILA BAY – Senators expressed mixed views on Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Manila Bay ‘white sand’ project.
Groups had criticized the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) ‘white sand beach’ project in Manila Bay. They called it a “sham” and “purely aesthetic.”
The department said it is part of the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program. It cost around P349 million. DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said the government will transform it into a white sand beach.
Fernando Hicap, PAMALAKAYA national chairperson said instead of white sand, he said mangroves and seagrasses would be more useful to Manila Bay. Meanwhile, the vice president of Oceana, Gloria Estenzo Ramos, said the white sand project will destroy the coast.
Antiporda urged the groups who criticized their projects to conduct a study first before expressing their opinions. He told them that the white sand they used is made of crushed dolomite from Cebu.
READ ALSO: DENR Defend Its White Sand Project
Based on a report from Manila Bulletin, DENR’s project elicited mixed reactions from the senators. Senator Joel Villanueva echoed the public’s criticism on the DENR’s plan to transform Manila Bay into a white sand beach.
Villanueva said the department should have focused on doing projects that protect the country’s natural resources or projects attuned to the current pandemic.
“Environmental protection cannot be achieved by mere aesthetics alone, and certainly not at the cost of sacrificing one area to preserve or make the other more pleasing. This will lead to further environmental degradation, if not fool-hardly and waste of resources in a time of great hunger and economic hardship…”
“Funds for this project could have been better spent in buying the needs of our students, or providing more assistance to displaced workers and OFWs,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said the hopes that the department conducted thorough research and consultation before pushing for the program.
“On the assumption that proper studies and consultations with experts, especially on its sustainability and effects on the environment, not to mention due diligence on the financial investment were made before its implementation, I would like to think that it is a worthwhile endeavor,” Lacson said.
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READ ALSO: Storms, High Tide Could Wash Away Manila Bay White Sand, Scientist Says
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