Opinion journalism

Locals and Foreigners Flock in Manila Bay as the First Phase of the DENR Reclamations Project Opens to the Public

Richard Lapinao
By Richard Lapinao

Philippines: Locals and foreigners flock in Manila bay, the portion of Manila bay with 'white sand' is temporarily open to the public (September 19, 2020) as a celebration of the International Coastal Cleanup Day, it was attended by Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and DENR Secretary Roy Cimato. The part completed is the first phase of the project that is open to the public for two days, after that it will be closed again to begin the second phase of the project.

Image from PCIJ @PCIJdotOrg

September 19, 2020

Meanwhile, in recent days photos and videos are circulated in social media, the fishkill is confirmed in the part of the Baseco coast of Manila Bay that up to ten kilos of dead fish were recovered from the area. 

Other groups associate it to the dumping of artificial white sand, some doubt that this is just the work of those who oppose the project. Presidential Secretary Harry  Roque said “Bakit ang tilapia, freshwater fish iyon, nakarating sa Manila Bay? Parang imposible naman iyon ‘no dahil hindi po mabubuhay ang tilapia sa saltwater,” (Why the tilapia, it is freshwater fish, in Manila Bay? That seems impossible because no tilapia can survive in saltwater.” The DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda also wonders that it is impossible for artificial white sand to cause a fishkill.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, (BFAR) found after water sample was conducted in the area of a fishkill, that the possible reason is the decrease of oxygen label in Manila Bay BFAR Executive Director Eduardo Gongona said that "the water quality in Baseco indicated very low level of dissolved oxygen (DO) at 0.11 mg / L. The acceptable level for marine waters is 5 mg / L."

September 19, 2020

OPINION

People have mixed reactions to the Manila bay rehabilitation project. In this case, it is indisputable that the problem is really in the people, In issues like this, it conveys one thing to all of us, that we people should be responsible particularly to those around Manila bay. Aren't we in elementary school already being taught the proper disposal of garbage in the proper landfill, where did the ones we studied? and I just want to emphasize that it is not only the Manila bay there are thousands of islands, coasts, and rivers in the Philippines that we need to take care of? Let's just help, let's help not pollute our environment! Just like the beautiful scenery of white sand and sunset in Manila bay may our aspirations for this country and to nature be just as beautiful as white sand. 

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Credits: Image, video are taken from PCJI Twitter page |Think_Isip/@IsipThink
Source: Manila Bulletin, (mb.com.ph),rappler.com, and inquirer.net  

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