Manila Bay 'White Sand' in People's Opinion

Philippines: Criticism continues to pour into the Manila Bay rehabilitation project of the Department of Energy and Natural Resources. (DENR) 

Despite the pandemic threat, dolomite is piled up in Manila Bay, according to a report the objective behind the restoration of the natural harbor; “to see is to believe,” and “to smell is to believe.” The project is worth Php389.8 Million to make Manila Bay feels like 'Boracay'. 

One of the critics of the said project was VP Leni Robredo who said 

"It seems very insensitive to do that at the height of the pandemic when many are going hungry. Many are suffering, but you have to do that beautification,” Said in her weekly radio show “BISErbisyong LENI.”

Meanwhile, Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones also commented on Monday, Sept. 7 said during a virtual “Always Ready” public briefing in which such a large budget would have helped in the purchase of gadgets, computers, and radios for distance learning by Students.

Some environmental groups fear that synthetic white sand dolomite is dangerous. Oceana Group added that it is illegal for violating the Wildlife Conservation Act by mining dolomite from Alcoy, Cebu, home to several endemic and protected species. (Republic Act No. 9147)

Peoples Opinion

"I agree that white sand should not be dumped in Manila Bay because it is a historical landmark. The history of Manila Bay is a pile of garbage, so garbage should be returned to preserve history." - anonymous 

Anonymous (A); "it's not about the timing. It's about beautification. Dolomite is not safe for humans as it can cause respiratory issues, aside from that it has harmful effects on the natural ecosystem of Manila Bay."

Rebottle (B); "How about before when the garbage was so much, is that not harmful? Many countries using dolomite already especially Dubai, did anyone died!"

DENR was aware; according to the report of Rapler, "We at the DENR studied that. In the first place, the sand we used, the dolomite boulders contain calcium carbonate and if you will look at the corals, they’re calcium carbonate as well. So it will not disrupt the coastal ecosystem"

Authors Opinion

Although there are many objections and criticisms to the Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR) for piling "white sand" in Manila Bay, as a Filipino I believe that the beautification of a previously neglected Manila Bay will help the country especially the tourism industry. Perhaps the argument in the aspect of 'Rehabilitation project vs Pandemic' is valid, but if you think about it, delaying, reallocating, and re-purposing the budget is another story.

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Reference: rappler.com

Image from Reddit & Politiko Metro Manila