EXACTLY THREE DECADES ago, a blockbuster film embarking on what the Earth would look like in the future was shown on the big screen — a post-apocalyptic world submerged under ocean-deep water.
And from how it looks, Metro Manila and its adjoining provinces are slowly transforming to become more like the one in the scenes of the 1995 science fiction movie, even as the government has refused to recognize studies on the adverse effects of the massive “land developments” at the Manila Bay.
No less than the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) previously said the government cannot move forward with reclamation activities in Manila Bay.
The DENR particularly cited a cumulative impact assessment of Manila Bay reclamation projects which hinted at significant environmental and social consequences. The assessment highlights threats to biodiversity, marine habitats, and the livelihoods of coastal communities, while also noting potential impacts on flooding and pollution.
SELECTIVE STOPPAGE
Sometime in August 2023, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the suspension of Manila Bay reclamation projects over impact concerns. But soon after the suspension, the government allowed two coastal development projects at the Pasay City side to resume.
In a statement that was farmed out by the Pasay City government, land development projects under the Pasay Eco-City Coastal Development secured an environment compliance certificate (ECC) from the DENR, which was then under former Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga.
The Manila Bay reclamation at the Pasay City side was also able to get an area clearance from the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA).
Likewise given the green light to resume are the Bacoor reclamation projects.
FAVORED DEVELOPERS
The so-called Pasay City development plan includes two reclamation projects in Manila Bay known as “Pasay 265” and “Pasay 360.”
Pasay 265 is a joint venture with Pasay Harbor Corp. covering 265 hectares of offshore development of a “new cosmopolitan, eco-friendly and iconic waterfront city.”
The other reclamation project covering 360 hectares – undertaken jointly by the Pasay City government with SM Smart City Infrastructure and Development Corp. – will create three artificial islands connecting to the Mall of Asia complex, also of the SM Group.
Under its masterplan, the artificial islands are intended for mixed-use development including commercial, residential, institutional, and tourism estates. The project aims to enhance economic activity and create numerous job opportunities.
IMMINENT THREATS
According to the DENR, stricter guidelines would be implemented by the agency in response to the cumulative impact assessment findings conducted by the University of the Philippines Marine Research Institute and the Marine Environment and Resources Foundation.
The cumulative impact assessment findings impacts on the livelihood of coastal communities and fisherfolks, and that of the threats to biodiversity and marine life.
More than livelihood, the study also hinted at exacerbation of flooding and pollution in coastal areas, absence of accountability from project proponents and government officials for the environmental and social impacts of reclamation and the need for ecosystem-based coastal protection and sustainable development practices.
PROMISES, PROMISES
According to the DENR, the government intends to implement regular monitoring of water quality and shellfish safety to safeguard fisheries and public health while continuously reviewing 21 (although the PRA insists there are only 13) reclamation projects in Manila Bay.
The environment department also promised to hold project proponents accountable for their actions and any violations of environmental regulations.
By its own admission, the DENR cited the need to address the displacement and livelihood concerns of affected communities.
The assessment highlighted the need for long-term planning and sustainable development strategies for Manila Bay even as it underscored the need for a more cautious and sustainable approach to development in Manila Bay, prioritizing environmental protection and the well-being of affected communities.
CONGRESSIONAL PROBE
Following massive floods in Metro Manila, a member of the House of Representatives sought a probe into the DENR’s Manila Bay rehabilitation program.
Bicol Saro partylist Rep. Terry Ridon filed House Resolution 56 on July 16, seeking a legislative inquiry into whether the Manila Bay rehabilitation program was worth public funds and if it has truly contributed to flooding.
This comes after the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) made a sweeping claim that land development at the Manila Bay blocked major drainage outfalls in Manila, particularly in Faura, Remedios and Estero de San Antonio Abad.
During the closure of these drainage outfalls, wastewater was reportedly redirected to a sewerage treatment plant that couldn’t handle the volume during heavy downpours.
BLAME THE NATURE
In response to the MMDA, the DENR blamed “changing weather patterns” influenced by climate change.
“This noticeable shift in weather patterns has exacerbated the challenges faced by urban areas like Metro Manila, where heavy rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems and lead to significant flooding,” reads part of the DENR statement.
The DENR attributed flood risks to PAGASA’s meteorological data over the past decade, which showed an increase in the amount of rainfall in various localities.
“As we confront the challenges posed by climate change, it is essential to adapt our urban planning strategies to safeguard our communities,” the DENR said.