Environmental groups file complaint vs. Manila Bay reclamation

Environmental groups on Monday filed a complaint to the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) against the ongoing reclamation and dredging operations in Manila Bay.

In a three-page letter from the from the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) and Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment, the groups asked the PRA and the DENR to lay out relocation plans for communities that are affected by the projects as well as for the agencies to provide several reports related to their activities.

“We trust that your offices will provide the requested documents and respond to our inquiry within 15 days… from receipt of this letter,” the groups said.

“We… bring to your attention the distress we are experiencing in the face of adverse changes in our environment and socioeconomic conditions resulting partly from the cumulative and long-term impacts of seabed quarrying and reclamation activities in Manila Bay,” they said.

According to the groups, there was a significant decline in the fish population, depletion of marine resources, an increase in invasive marine species, coastal and land erosion and rising water levels.

Aside from these developments, they said the reclamation activities have caused disruption in their traditional livelihoods, resulting in income loss, and involuntary displacement.

“Although there are many factors at play, seabed quarrying, and reclamation activities significantly contribute to the degradation of Manila Bay. We understand that a number of seabed quarry projects supply the raw materials of reclamation projects, hence, these activities are disastrously linked,” they said.

GMA News Online has sought comment from the PRA and the DENR but has yet to receive a response as of posting time.—RF, GMA Integrated News