Fishers and environmentalists file complaint against reclamation and dredging projects in Manila Bay
Activist groups Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipins (PAMALAKAYA) and Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (PNE) have filed a complaint against the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources over reclamation and dredging projects in Manila Bay.
In their administrative complaint, the groups highlighted the adverse environmental and socioeconomic impacts of seabed quarrying and reclamation activities in Manila Bay. They pointed out that these activities have led to a significant decline in fish populations, depletion of marine resources, an increase in invasive marine species, and coastal and land erosion.
PAMALAKAYA and Kalikasan PNE requested detailed plans for the relocation of affected communities, as well as technical evaluation and advisory opinions on the environmental impact of the projects. They also demanded copies of environmental compliance certificates, area clearances, monitoring reports, and comprehensive environmental assessments for all implemented and ongoing projects.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is currently conducting a cumulative impact assessment of reclamation activities along Manila Bay. This comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a suspension of reclamation projects pending a review of their environmental and social impacts.
While the government has not officially released a suspension order to the public, the Philippine Reclamation Authority has stated that three projects could resume this year once the suspension is lifted. These projects include the Bacoor Inner Island Project, the Navotas Fish Port Complex, and the Navotas Coastal Bay Reclamation and Development Project.
