Dolomite, also known as calcium magnesium carbonate, is a non-metallic material used

in manufacturing bricks, mortar, cement, concrete, plastics, paving materials, and other
construction materials (Rappler, 2020). Marine scientists have noted that the use of dolomite
sand as an artificial sand for beaches may impose health risks and can also give threats to the
marine environment. In the article, “ DENR: Dolomite in Manila Bay not washed out, only
covered by gray sand,” Christian Deiparine (2020) discussed DENR official’s stand on the
washing out of the dolomite sand in Manila Bay. While this article gained attention from the
public, there are limitations in the statement because of the controversies, misinformation, and
deliberate persistence on the aesthetic value of the project.

Assistant Secretary Darius Nicer claimed the controversies that people created about
the washing out of the dolomite sand in Manila was merely based on their “speculation and raw
conclusions.” He also claimed that there is no definite proof that any substantial portion of the
dolomite beach has been washed away and it can only be proved through volume metric
measurements. The government allotted around P389 millions of taxpayers' money for the
project and stated that the funds can no longer be realigned for other purposes such as to aid in
the country's coronavirus response, as the project is already ongoing. On the other hand,
Undersecretary Benny Antiporda stated that although the white beach is for aesthetic only, he
insisted that it is better than having piles of debris and trash caused by storm. Lastly, the
department said it has proposed to Congress a P1.3 billion budget for next year to continue
rehabilitation efforts. 

The article discussed an important topic, as the government wanted to rehabilitate

coastal areas and waterways. The approach and intention is good since the cleaning up of the
waterways can help prevent health risks. However, as stated by the University of the
Philippines’ Marine Science Institute (2020), the overlaying of sand with crushed dolomite
boulders along a portion of Manila Bay will not help solve the environmental problems and
issues hounding the area. This lack of attention to details may cause wasted funds and impose
health risks to the people who are near the area.

Significant results are visible, but there are many downsides in this project. First, it is
obviously visible that the dolomite sand grains were slowly eroding. This is based on the
University of the Philippines’ Marine Science Institute. The dolomite sand grains are expected to
erode as these are naturally occurring given that the coastal parts of Metro Manila are hit during
storm seasons. And even though there are breakwater, or an artificial structure built for
protection from waves, the rise in sea level and waves brought by storm can still penetrate the
bay walk. Second, the government could have focused more on aiding for the pandemic
happening within Philippines instead of focusing on the beautification of Manila Bay. As stated
in the second paragraph, the said cost of the project has hit around P389 million and this could
have helped the families affected by the pandemic. Third, if the government really wanted to
have a cleaner environment, there are other ways aside from using crushed dolomite sands.
"There are no shortcuts to a cleaner environment. The use of crushed dolomite sand will not
help solve the environmental problems in Manila Bay. At most, it is a beautification effort that is
costly and temporary," the UP Marine Science Institute said. Also, the marine life and
biodiversity in the area is endangered as putting foreign sediments can disturb the habitats of
the animals as well as the plants. This phenomenon could lower the oxygen in the seawater
which is important for the survival of the organisms. Lastly, the dolomite sand grains, when
inhaled, can be problematic as it can cause chronic health effects.

This article focused on a very important current issue in the Philippines. It is true that
most of the waterways and some coastal areas in the Philippines are not clean and that is why
the government wanted to rehabilitate these areas. However, there are far more important
things that requires more focus and attention, like today’s pandemic. Furthermore, the
arguments presented on the earlier part of the text must be considered by the government.
Future research on the proper usage of foreign sediments is necessary to provide and needs to
be studied delicately.
REFERENCES

Abad, M. & Rappler. (2020, September). FAST FACTS: What is dolomite sand, and how will it
affect Manila Bay? Rappler. Retrieved on October 12, 2020, from,
https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/things-to-know-dolomite-sand-affect-manila-bay

CNN Philippines. (2020, October). Marine scientists explain why dolomite sand won’t help solve
Manila Bay’s environmental mess. Retrieved on October 12, 2020, from,
https://www.cnn.ph/news/2020/10/1/UP-Marine-Science-Institute-Manila-Bay-white-
sand-dolomite.html

Deiparine, C. (2020, October). DENR: Dolomite in Manila Bay not washed out, only covered by
gray sand. PhilStar Global. Retrieved on October 12, 2020, from,
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/10/09/2048399/denr-dolomite-manila-bay-not-
washed-out-only-covered-gray-sand