The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), led by Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, deserves credit for initiating a crucial conversation on the ongoing and planned reclamation projects. Recently, the DENR held a multistakeholder experts dialogue to thoroughly examine the policies and practices surrounding reclamation.
While reclamation is seen as an urgent environmental concern, Secretary Loyzaga emphasizes the need to consider its broader impacts, taking into account both ecological concerns and socioeconomic benefits. It is worth noting that the Marcos administration has not abandoned reclamation as a policy, with several projects in the Manila Bay area progressing as planned, worth a total of P330.6 billion.
Undersecretary Jonas Leones of the DENR acknowledges that reclamation stimulates economic activities by creating land that can be developed for various purposes, generating much-needed revenue for the government. However, he also emphasizes the importance of considering environmental protection, conservation, disaster risk, and climate change mitigation in reclamation projects.
Activists have raised concerns about the detrimental effects of reclamation on marine ecosystems and fish habitats, which ultimately affect the livelihood of affected communities. Organizations such as the People’s Network for the Integrity of Coastal Habitats and Ecosystems and the Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment have called for the cancellation of reclamation projects in the Manila Bay area. The destruction of 27,000 hectares of coastal areas due to seabed quarrying and dredging, combined with the increased risk of climate-related changes, further highlights the potential risks.
To make informed decisions regarding reclamation projects, the DENR is seeking input from experts to gather solid data and scientific studies. Additionally, resolving policy differences among government agencies involved in reclamation and ensuring thorough environmental impact assessments and public consultations are conducted can lead to better outcomes.
There are certainly policy and implementation challenges that need to be addressed, but the DENR is moving in the right direction. It is imperative to support these efforts to prevent future generations from bearing the consequences of poorly planned reclamation projects.
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