Manila Bay White Sand Funds Could Have Been Used For Distance Learning – DepEd
DEPED – The Department of Education (DepEd) said the fund used for the white sand project in Manila Bay could have been used for the distance learning.
Recently, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced that they will transform Manila Bay into a white sand beach. After receiving criticism online, DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda clarified that the white sand they used is made of dolomite from Cebu.
Antiporda said DENR’s project will discourage people from littering the area. In a previous article, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque defended the department’s project saying it will be good for citizen’s mental health.
Vice President Leni Robredo said the Manila Bay ‘white sand’ project of the DENR is a misplaced priority by the government. She called out the administration for spending millions amid the pandemic. Duterte repeatedly confessed the lack of funds for the COVID-19 response.
“Napaka-insensitive na gagawin mo ‘yan sa height ng pandemic na ang daming nagugutom, ang daming naghihirap…”
“Sa panahon ngayon na ang sagot sa atin wala tayong pera, nakakainsulto kapag nakikita ng tao ‘yung ganitong programa,” she added.
READ ALSO: White Sand In Manila Bay: Groups Slam DENR’s Project
During the Laging Handa press briefing on Monday, DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones said the P389 million funds for the Manila Bay white sand project could have been used for the distance learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Kung, halimbawa, may P389 million na ibibigay ang pamahalaan sa departamento, sigurado ako na malaking bahagi diyan mapupunta sa, halimbawa, sa pangangailangan ng gadgets,” Briones said.
According to the report, Leonor Briones said the money could help them prepare for the upcoming school year. It would be used for the printing of modules or purchase gadgets for the less fortunate students. She clarified that they are not interfering with the budget of other agencies.
“Hindi kami nakikialam sa budget ng may budget. Pero, kung may budget kami na ganoon kahalaga, pupunta ‘yan sigurado ako sa gadgets…”
“Kung ano ang in-allocate sa amin ng Presidente at ng Department of Budget, ‘yon ang pinagkakasya namin,” she added.
In a previous article, a scientist said high tide and storms could wash away the artificial white at the Manila Bay.
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READ ALSO: Youtuber Slams Environmentalist Criticizing the White Sand in Manila Bay
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