Environment Groups Slam DENR’s White Sand Manila Bay project
WHITE SAND IN MANILA BAY – Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) plan to transform Manila Bay into white sand beach did not sit well with environmental groups.
Following a previous article, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said their department intends to put white sand on the banks of Manila Bay. The white sand was from the beaches of Cebu.
“Gagawin white sand itong, ditto sa may baywalk area para makita ng tao na kapag puti ang kulay ng isang bagay, kailangan pangalagaan mo ito at wag mo dumihan,” he said. Photos and videos of Manila Bay’s white sand makeover begun to circulate on social media.
A netizen shared a video of trucks putting sand dunes and white sand along the shores. In the caption, she said the DENR plans to transform Manila Bay into a white sand beach for the residents who can’t afford to spend their vacation in other tourist destinations in the country.
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Based on a report from CNN Philippine, two advocacy groups called the DENR’s project “a sham” and “purely aesthetic.” They are questioning the decision of the agency to put white sand on the bay.
The chairman of the National Federation of Small Fisherfolk Organization in the Philippines (PAMALAKAYA), Fernando Hicap, released a statement on Thursday. He 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 a genuine rehabilitation.”
Instead of white sand, the chairman said sea grasses and mangroves would be more beneficial to the bay.
Meanwhile, Oceana said it seemed the agency does not know the cost of their project. The group asked why are they prioritizing a “purely aesthetic program.”
According to the report, Oceana Vice President Gloria Estenzo Ramos said the project is destroying the coast. “Ironically, it is the DENR that does not seem to follow the requirements set by law,” she added.
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READ ALSO: Netizen Expresses Disappointment Over Government Project That Destroys Environment
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