Summary

According to DENR undersecretary Benny Antiporda, an EIS and an environmental compliance

certificate (ECC) are not required. Oceana's Ramos emphasized the necessity of the EIS, which
has yet to be made public, and Pamalakaya remained concerned about the potential
implications of the artificial sand on Manila Bay's marine life. There are concerns that the
dolomite contains harmful dust particles and will create marine sedimentation if dissolved.
Despite its high levels of coliform bacteria, fishing is an important activity in Manila Bay. Apart
from the bay, shellfish and aquaculture farms flourish.

Sardinella pacifica, a previously unknown sardine species, was discovered in Manila Bay last
year and could become a sardine conservation area. The DENR's scientific arm, the
Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, also observed coral reefs surviving in the bay
despite the poor water quality. Because dredging will destroy the seagrass beds and other
marine life in the area, the environmental assessment study is critical. The quarries where the
dolomite sand was sourced in Alcoy, Cebu, are enormous enterprises that have long threatened
the region's terrestrial animals, including the endangered black shama (Copsychus cebuensis).
The Cebu provincial government said it was unaware of the Manila Bay project and had not
obtained transport permits for the transfer of rocks to the capital.