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Reclamation projects may threaten Manila Bay, warns green group

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<figure class="op-interactive"><div id="IVS_ABS_Body_Video_1_Container"> <ivs-player id="IVS_ABS_Body_Video_1" data-ivs-spid="3001339" data-ivs-key="e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603" data-ivs-vid="1394486" data-ivs-floating="1"></ivs-player> <script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/iframe-parent.js"></script> <script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js"></script> </div></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div><p>MANILA - Looming reclamation projects in Manila Bay may threaten the remaining biodiversity in the heavily polluted body of water, an environmental group warned Monday.</p><p>Rodne Galicha, country manager of Climate Reality Project, said the government should focus first on rehabilitating Manila Bay before approving any reclamation projects. </p><p>&quot;Ang reklamasyong ito maapektuhan din pati ang bidoversity diyan, isa diyang nanganganib ang Freedom Island, pati ang Mangroves natin diyan,&quot; he told DZMM.</p><p>Two large-scale reclamation projects have applied for necessary permits to develop portions of Manila Bay. </p><p>The Solar City Reclamation Project will cover some 148 hectares, while the Waterfront City Reclamation Project will cover around 318 hectares in the polluted bay. </p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/12/19/govt-yet-to-approve-2-large-scale-reclamation-projects-for-manila-bay">Gov’t yet to approve 2 large-scale reclamation projects for Manila Bay</a></li></ul><p>&quot;Sinabi natin, Manila Bay rehabilitation. I-prioritize natin &#x27;yan. H&#x27;wag muna nating dagdagan ng problema,&quot; said Galicha, stressing the people&#x27;s right to clean and healthful ecology.</p><p>Representatives of the reclamation projects, meanwhile, assured that they have studied the plans to develop portions of Manila Bay to address concerns by environmentalists. </p><p>Edmund Lim, Vice Chairman of Manila Goldcast Development Corp. which is behind the Solar City project, said they have already secured an Environmental Compliance Certificate. </p><p>&quot;&#x27;Yung issues ng flooding, basura, flow ng tubig, sedimentation, na-address na natin yan,&quot; Lim told DZMM, adding that big international firms have been tapped to review the reclamation project.</p><p>Lim said they are only waiting for a notice to proceed from the Philippine Reclamation Authority before they can begin developing portion of Manila Bay. </p><p>For his part, Manny Fernandez, officer in charge for the Manila Waterfront project, said they are also waiting for their applications to be approved.</p><p>Fernandez assured that the materials that will be used for the reclamation project will come from the ocean, and not from quarrying projects. </p><p>&quot;We have successful reclamation in Pasay area. It&#x27;s quite successful and helping a lot in terms of development in Pasay. So far naman it&#x27;s been there several years, no problems,&quot; he told DZMM.</p><p>Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu earlier said the government will have to review these reclamation projects before deciding on whether or not to allow them to proceed. </p>

<p>MANILA - Looming reclamation projects in Manila Bay may threaten the remaining biodiversity in the heavily polluted body of water, an environmental group warned Monday.</p>

MANILA - Looming reclamation projects in Manila Bay may threaten the remaining biodiversity in the heavily polluted body of water, an environmental group warned Monday.