Isko backs DENR's white sand project at Manila Bay

Mayor Isko Moreno on Friday said the city government of Manila is supporting the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' (DENR) plan to cover the Baywalk on Roxas Boulevard with white sand.

At a press conference, Moreno pointed out that there is no proof yet that will show that the agency's plan could be dangerous for the environment, noting that in this situation, the DENR "knows better."

"We support DENR. Now, with regard to the claim na 'yung ilalagay na buhangin ay makakapaminsala sa kapaligiran, it is not up for me to identify scientifically na ito'y nakakasira ng kalikasan. I think DENR on its own knows it better to protect our environment," Moreno said.

"I don't think a person in his right mind, in a particular agency of the government, who's supposed to be taking care of our environment will pollute our environment. 'Yun ang presumption ko. For now, hangga't wala naman sigurong nakapagsasaad o nakapagpapatibay sa claim ng iilan, may presumption of regularity... so if that is the case, we continue to support DENR and the City of Manila is grateful to DENR," he added.

Moreno also said the next step is to "scrutinize" if indeed the plan of DENR could pose risk to the environment.

"Kung sakali naman na napatunayan na itong mga inilagay na ito ay makamapaminsala, I think DENR knows it better, kaya nga sila tinatawag na Department of Environment and Natural Resources," he said.

The DENR is planning to fill 500 meters of the Baywalk on Roxas Boulevard with white sand under the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program.

“Gagawin white sand itong, dito sa may bay walk area para makita ng tao na kapag puti ang kulay ng isang bagay, kailangan pangalagaan mo ito at ‘wag mo dumihan,” DENR undersecretary Benny Antiporda had said.

This plan was criticized by environmentalists and fisherfolk groups, saying that pouring white sand does not resolve the pollution in the bay. -NB, GMA News