‘Keep Manila Bay clean’
Local tourists gather at the present Manila Bay to witness the beauty of the dolomite white sand, but we would like to remind them to avoid littering there
As hundreds of people troop to Roxas Boulevard for a chance to view the Manila Bay’s artificial white sand, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reminded the public to avoid littering in the area.
MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago urged Filipinos to keep Manila Bay clean since the government has spent P389 million to rehabilitate the waterway.
“Local tourists gather at the present Manila Bay to witness the beauty of the dolomite white sand, but we would like to remind them to avoid littering there,” Pialago said in an interview.
“That portion of Manila Bay in front of the US Embassy was opened to the public, so the public can see this rehabilitation project. But it does not mean that picnics are allowed, so as to avoid garbage and trash there,” she added.
The MMDA official noted those who would violate protocols would face sanctions, adding that government personnel and environmental marshals are roving in the area.
Meanwhile, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Benny Antiporda yesterday said the decision to open Manila Bay’s shoreline to the public was meant to show the true nature or purpose on why they decided to come up with the now controversial beach nourishment project
Antiporda made the remark following the criticism hurled by naysayers over the DENR’s decision to open the Manila Bay beachfront from 19 to 20 September and provide visitors a chance to see the progress of the ongoing project.
“We were forced to do this because of their false allegations. We need to show this to the people, and let the people defend this. That’s why we decided that they see for themselves what this project is about even if it is just partially finished,” Antiporda told the Daily Tribune.
However, he stressed they are not encouraging the people to go to the area given the COVID-19 situation affecting the country.
Likewise, the DENR official shared there is a plan to further expand the beach by another 380 meters, with the dolomite sand covering an area totaling three hectares.
He said the project is expected to be finished by yearend.
“We are targetting the end of the year, but I don’t know if we can make it because a lot of hindrance has happened already. That’s why we are considering, we are studying how we can file a case against those who are destroying this project because of the many delays that has happened because of them,” Antiporda said.
On the other hand, Pialago said the MMDA has seen a drastic decline in the amount of garbage that is collected from Manila Bay.
From 30 truckloads of garbage a day, the MMDA is now collecting just one to two truckloads daily, she said. On Saturday, in line with the International Coastal Cleanup Day, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources opened the controversial “white sand” at the beachfront of Manila Bay to the public, even if the government discourages Filipinos from doing non-essential things outdoors. People were seen taking pictures and holding Zumba sessions without observing the one meter physical distancing protocol. Children and senior citizens — who are prohibited to go outside their homes because they are at high risk to the coronavirus disease
— also flocked to the area.
On Saturday, in line with the International Coastal Cleanup Day, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources opened the controversial ‘white sand’ at the beachfront of Manila Bay to the public.