by Reychemver Credo

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has stood confident investing in a Php 389-million 2019 project aimed at curbing pollution in Manila Bay. Dearth of comprehensive studies to support the project’s impacts on ecological and public health, and even financial transparency, had the DENR committed things contrary to the purpose why it was created?

Surely, the government’s efforts to rehabilitate Manila Bay is a sharp insult to the careful use of our natural resources. The “white sand” – made from dolomite rock mined and exported from Cebu – as an “aesthetic surgery” does not come out to be a natural substrate of the bayfront. Moreover, it does not make the water quality any safer and could dupe the public such that they absorb in hazardous activity in the bay.

According to Lhoist North America, dolomite contact “can cause irritation to eyes, skin, respiratory system, and gastrointestinal tract,” adding that “long-term exposure may cause permanent damage.”

Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire also said dolomite dust poses respiratory problems, but later issued a clarification that dolomite “in bulk state is not a known health hazard.” Perhaps this is not the first time the government has carried out projects that omit environment and disregard science. Likewise, DENR must be receptive of tangible long-term and nature-based solutions and not shallow fixes and engineered-solutions in order to show a strong political will.

The better solution that they could have done and a long term while at it is to have those pollutants around the bay removed and closed. Moreover, regular coastal cleanup and environmental awareness campaigns should be done all throughout neighboring cities. Mangrove rehabilitation as considered by scientists – mangrove greenbelts and seagrass beds are viable as food security, pollution control, erosion control, and beautification solutions (according to Kalikasan PNE) – can also be potential.

If among the intents of the Manila Bay rehabilitation is for the country to seize the opportunity to resume its Build, Build, Build program and thereby boost its economic recovery projects, then it should be proper to abide by its own laws; otherwise, it will only become a major slap in the faces of the pandemic-stricken Filipinos.