BEAUTIFICATION | DENR defends Manila Bay clean-up against ‘misleading’ and ‘blind’ critics

September 15, 2020 , 07:39 PM

(September 15, 2020) – The department tasked to clean up Manila Bay defended the project against critics, insisting on Tuesday that the beautification which used artificial white sand passed the required environmental impact assessment.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued the statement on Tuesday as it hit on “deliberate attempt to mislead the public and vilify government efforts” in dumping crushed dolomite in Manila Bay.

“These blind critics have been propagating lies and baseless accusations against the DENR and government in general in all forums, including social media, to advance their selfish interests,” the DENR statement read,

“It is only right and just for supporters of the project to ask critics this all-important question: “Where were you when people complained about how dirty Manila Bay has become?””

Several environmental groups and think-tanks raised concerns about the project, such as its pricing, the results of its environmental impact assessment study, and the health hazard of using crushed dolomite.

The provincial government of Cebu even ordered the mining companies involved to cease operations as they were not informed of the project and cited potential hazards to the environment.

Infrawatch PH added that dolomite mined in Cebu was primarily used for construction, glassmaking, and soil conditioner–not as beach topfill.

Last Monday, the Department of Health (DOH) said inhaling crushed dolomite could cause respiratory issues.

“Kapag napunta sa mata, magkakaroon ng kaunting irritation. Kapag na-ingest, magkakaroon ng gastro-intestinal discomfort, pagkakasakit ng tiyan at pagtatae,” DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an online briefing.

Two days later, the DOH clarified that dolomite in its bulk state “is not a known health hazard”; and that in dust form, like any other dust particle, “can lead to symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and coughing for this is our body’s normal reaction to irritants.”

DENR Sec. Roy Cimatu told lawmakers in a budget hearing that the crushed dolomite they procured from Cebu was thrice the size of sand granules, and would not be suspended in the air.

“The dolomite has been used in many beach areas for more than 20 years and there has not been any reported problem,” the DENR statement said.

“The DENR also reassures the public that the funds used for the project will not be put to waste as engineering interventions are being made to prevent the artificial white sand from being washed away. The project likewise passed the required environmental impact assessment,” they added.

The DENR added that the beautification and beach nourishment project was a culmination of its Manila Bay clean-up, which was mandated by the Supreme Court as early as 2008.

Three additional sewage treatment plants were installed within Metro Manila and relocated informal settlers living along the coast of the bay.

They plan to finish the project by September 19, in time for the International Coastal Cleanup Day.

“No amount of baseless and harsh criticisms will prevent us from performing the gargantuan and extremely difficult task of restoring our beloved Manila Bay,” the DENR said.

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