Manila Bay Improvement in the Midst of War against the Pandemic

Starting off the “white beach” project in Manila Bay amid the pandemic as spearheaded
by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has faced several criticisms from the
masses and from several critics.
According to critics, the allotted P 389.8 Million funds for the “white beach” in Manila Bay
could have been appropriated to more important projects as the Philippines still fighting against
the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Even Vice President Leni Robredo expressed
common belief that such funds could have been spend to aid the poor in today’s trying times.
“Parang napaka-insensitive na gagawin mo iyan sa height ng pandemic, na ang daming
nagugutom. Ang daming naghihirap, gagawin mo iyong pag-beautify (It seems very insensitive
to do that at the height of the pandemic, when many are going hungry. Many are suffering, but
you opted to do that beautification),” Robredo said in her weekly radio show “BISErbisyong
LENI.”
Meanwhile, Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones commented that such
budget could have been utilized for the purchase of gadgets, computers, and radios that would
be beneficial in distance and blended learning of students.
Also, the fisher folk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamalakaya ng Pilipinas
(Pamalakaya) stressed that instead of the white beach project, it is better if mangroves were
planted along the Manila Bay’s coast. Pamalakaya national chairperson Fernando Hicap further
added that the mangroves are necessary to marine environment and coastal communities as it
could serve as a defense against strong waves, storm surges, flood regulation, sediment
trapping, marine wildlife habitat and nurseries. Back in the 1990s, mangroves in Manila Bay
used to cover 54,000 hectares but due to industrialization it significantly shrunk to 2,000
hectares which at present is left with less than 500 hectares of mangroves only.