Unless you have been apathetic to the million issues and problems our country is facing,

you are most likely conscious if the uprearing argument about Manila Bay makeover
project of DENR.

More than half of Manila Bay's are unsafe for swimming and baiting. The worst are those
in Navotas and Manila.

The government has been fighting the battle for Manila Bay since 2019. It's a massive
cleanup rehabilitation and preservation project. The ultimate goal? To lower the fecal
coliform level.

Environment Under Secretary Jonas Leones is leading the crusade. He says the
pandemic made things harder, but they have been making great strides.

Agencies have also built more sewerage treatment plants and the government says it
will reopen the controversial dolomite beach if quarantine restrictions ease by second
half of 2021. Workers replenish dolomite sand from time to time with rules and force to
maintain the nourishment project.

Speaking of “controversial”, among the likes of supporters and critics of dolomite beach,
Filipino scientists from UP Marine Science Institute (MSI) offered their research-backed
recommendations on how to continue with this alleged “nourishment project.”

Reading the official statement of the said local science organization, sounded belittling
nor criticizing the competence of the DENR. In fact, they gave thoughtful advice, they
even offered to help, in spite of being in contradiction of the dolomite sand project.

This ethical and smart act of the UP MSI was taken by Undersecretary Benny Antiporda
the other way around. He responded to UP MSI telling them that they had no right to
criticize and attacking them with an adjective every professional, ironically like him,
would never use to describe people offering help—bayaran.

Hence, this made upset the Filipino scientists, and a lot of the Filipino citizen realized
that the undersecretary is problematic on multiple level.

DISRESPECTED

Before, Usec. Antiporda said that DENR would accept MSI’s assistance if it were offered
for free.

For anybody who has ever experienced in the least one science project in elementary
school or higher level for that matter, the idea of UP scientists “clarifying that while their
advice costs nothing, further research and experiments will incur expenses” is no-
brainer.

So, to say that it is immensely disturbing to accuse UP scientists’ requested funds as

“sipsipin ang dugo ng taongbayan [suck the blood out of the citizens]” would be an
understatement.

Quite the opposite, few groups exist that match the selflessness of the Filipino science
community. For the know that the Filipino scientists are quietly working in excellence
even they are underfunded and underappreciated and still choose to empower the
Philippines with science, despite opportunities to pursue their respective fields, live
comfortably, and simply be more appreciated abroad.

To see Filipino scientists disrespected like this… It is truly upsetting.

“Bayaran”-Naming GAME

The word “bayaran” comes with awful luggage.

Translated literally, it means “to pay” (verb) or “someone for hire” (noun). When used as
a response, it can mean “paid hack,” a person with all the ethics and moral fortitude of a
salaried internet troll.

And when uttered a certain way, regardless of intent, it takes zero effort for anyone to
link it with the less pleasing meaning.

There is a world of difference between receiving payment for services rendered and
being paid to spread someone else’s agenda.

It is and will never be wrong for scientists to get payment and funding, in the same way
that public officials do.

A scientist asking for suitable funding is not a scientist whose principles are for sale.

One can only wonder if the use of the word “bayaran” would further drive a stake
between the UP’s scientists, who have continued to serve the people, despite receiving
relentless criticizing—and the public.

This issue is beyond the questionable timing of the Manila Bay project, beyond the
recommendations and negations thrown back and forth. There is power behind words,
and a responsibility that comes with using them.
Of course, this is the same agency that issued a memorandum back in April last year,
telling its employees not to criticize the government’s COVID-19 efforts on social media,
to avoid “bit[ing] the hand that feeds [them].”

A media man like Usec. Antiporda clearly understands the “power” part of using words,
at least.

As for the “responsibility” part… a sincere public apology to MSI would be the bare
minimum to start.

CONCLUSION

To express the disappointment regarding the accusations and ad hominem attacks you
made against the UP Marine Science Institute on the value of their work and their role as
consultants for the DENR could never be questioned by anyone. For decades, the MSI
has been helping fisherfolks and LGUs by developing technologies and conducting
various research projects that will benefit communities and promote sustainable fishing
practices as well as performing ground-breaking research on Philippine marine life and
oceanography.

The MSI, as a UP institute, and in its desire to help the government make sound and
scientifically-based decisions, has released a position paper regarding the Manila Bay
rehabilitation program. It offered suggestions on how to proceed with the rehabilitation
going forward, and did not even condemn the government's senseless decision to pour
artificial sand over the bay.

UP scientists work tirelessly for the benefit of Filipino society, despite being
underfunded, yet someone like Usec. Antiporda, have seen it fit to attack not only the
MSI but the valuable contribution of the scientific work of the Filipino Academe.

Afterall, using crushed dolomite did not address any of the rehabilitation phases and
instead was even more detrimental to the existing biodiversity as well as the
communities in the area. The dumping of dolomite in Manila Bay has effectively covered
part of the intertidal area used by the birds thereby reducing their habitat.

As what Vander Velpen of UNEP/GRID-Geneva said "If you've removed the areas that
helped trap the sand, like mangrove forests, then the likelihood increases that you will
have to nourish a beach. Same as building right up to the waterfront.”