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Ethics
Manila Bay, located along the western shores of Luzon in the Philippines, is a historically
significant body of water that has faced persistent challenges due to urbanization, industrial
activities, and insufficient waste management practices. Once celebrated for its breathtaking
sunsets and diverse marine life, the bay has suffered from decades of pollution and
environmental degradation. These issues have not only compromised the bay's ecological
integrity but also posed threats to the health and livelihoods of nearby communities and the
collaboration with diverse stakeholders and international partners, launched the Manila Bay
Clean Up, Rehabilitation, and Restoration Program. This ambitious initiative aims to address the
cumulative impacts of human activities on the bay's ecosystem, restore its natural balance, and
promote sustainable practices for future generations. The Manila Bay rehabilitation program
adopts a comprehensive approach that includes extensive cleanup efforts, stringent enforcement
strategies. Key priorities include reducing pollution from industrial, residential, and agricultural
sources, improving solid waste management systems, and rehabilitating critical coastal habitats
This paper examines the multifaceted aspects of the Manila Bay Clean Up,
Rehabilitation, and Restoration Program, exploring its objectives, strategies, challenges, and
initial outcomes. By analyzing these components, this research aims to offer insights into the
complexities of large-scale environmental restoration projects in urban coastal areas and evaluate
Through a critical assessment of the Manila Bay rehabilitation efforts, this study
ecosystems and preserve the environmental heritage of coastal communities for future
generations.
Budget issue
substantial budget of over 1.6 billion Philippine pesos for the Manila Bay rehabilitation program
in 2022. This budget request comes amidst ongoing debates and criticisms regarding the
In 2020, around 389 million PHP was allocated for the dolomite sand covering, aimed at
enhancing the bay's aesthetic appeal. However, this expenditure sparked controversy and public
scrutiny, with concerns raised about its effectiveness in addressing the bay's environmental issues
mangrove reforestation. Critics argue that the focus on cosmetic enhancements like the dolomite
beach detracts from more pressing needs, including sustainable water quality management and
portion of the proposed 1.6 billion PHP budget to similar projects will effectively address the
root causes of Manila Bay's degradation and benefit local communities in the long term.
As the DENR seeks approval for its budget allocation, the debate over prioritization of
accountability, and maximizing the impact of every peso spent on the rehabilitation and
natural resources at an oil and gas site, surface disturbances from building and operation have an
impact on the flora, hydrology, and wildlife habitats. (Sengupta and associates, 2018) Land
reclamation is becoming more common in the region as a means of meeting growing need for
building space. According to Katsumi (2015), land reclamation is also done to decrease the
effects of natural disasters like floods and tsunamis. Nations can lessen the likelihood that natural
disasters will destroy the homes and workplaces of their residents by reclaiming formerly
unusable territory. Reclaiming land also has the ability to greatly strengthen the regional
economy. The opportunities this may present could be advantageous for tourism, fishing, and
other businesses. Additionally, the procedure might boost local economic activity and generate
the massive Manila Bay Reclamation Project. The project, which takes up 106 hectares in the
Manila Bay territorial waters of Pasay City, involves a thorough investigation that covers urban
-viability. A thorough development plan, site surveys, legal frameworks, cost analysis, and
preliminary engineering designs were the main topics of the urban planning component. In an
effort to successfully handle any obstacles, engineering studies evaluated technical elements such
cost estimation. Environmental assessments examined the effects on air pollution, water quality,
and marine life with the goal of reducing negative consequences through sustainable practices.
job prospects, housing, tourism possibilities, and community development. In order to support
The Manila Bay rehabilitation project has faced multifaceted challenges and
controversies, particularly concerning the allocation of funds and the environmental impact of its
initiatives. One of the most debated aspects has been the installation of a dolomite beach along a
section of the bay's shoreline, part of efforts to improve its aesthetic appeal and draw tourists.
Critics have raised significant concerns about the sustainability and effectiveness of the dolomite
beach project. Dolomite, a type of carbonate mineral, is known to be soluble in water, especially
when exposed to rain and seawater. This solubility raises worries about the long-term stability of
the artificial beach, as continual erosion and dissolution of the dolomite particles could lead to
Moreover, the budget allocated for the dolomite beach — approximately 389 million PHP — has
been questioned in terms of its cost-effectiveness and prioritization relative to other urgent
environmental needs. While the project aimed to beautify Manila Bay and boost tourism, critics
argue that the funds could have been better directed towards addressing more pressing issues,
such as improving water quality through sewage treatment upgrades, restoring mangrove
Furthermore, Manila Bay itself faces extensive environmental challenges beyond aesthetic
concerns. These include pollution from untreated sewage and industrial discharge, habitat loss
due to urban development, and the impacts of climate change on coastal ecosystems. The
rehabilitation efforts need to address these complex issues comprehensively to achieve lasting
environmental improvements and ensure the bay's ecological integrity and resilience.
The controversy surrounding the dolomite beach underscores the importance of robust
Moving forward, there is a clear imperative for the DENR and other stakeholders to prioritize
and improve the overall health of Manila Bay for the benefit of both ecosystems and local
communities.
Outcome Of The Project
The introduction of dolomite as part of the Manila Bay rehabilitation project aimed to
enhance the bay's aesthetic appeal and potentially boost tourism. However, the dolomite
initiative has been surrounded by controversy and faced significant criticism. Concerns have
been raised about the environmental impact of using dolomite sand on Manila Bay's ecosystem.
Critics argue that the focus on aesthetics detracts from addressing more critical environmental
issues, such as water quality improvement and habitat restoration. The project has also sparked
debates regarding the allocation of resources, with some stakeholders questioning whether funds
could have been better utilized for more essential aspects of the rehabilitation program.
Moreover, the dolomite project has encountered public health concerns. Questions have
been raised about the safety of dolomite sand, particularly regarding potential health risks
associated with the inhalation of fine particles. This has prompted calls for thorough risk
assessments and transparent communication regarding potential health impacts to ensure public
safety.
Despite these controversies and criticisms, the Manila Bay rehabilitation program has
shown some positive outcomes. Efforts to reduce pollution have led to improvements in water
quality, with reductions observed in levels of heavy metals, fecal coliforms, and solid waste.
Ecological restoration initiatives, such as the rehabilitation of mangrove forests and seagrass
beds, have also shown promising results in enhancing biodiversity and coastal resilience.
Community engagement efforts have fostered increased awareness and participation in
Moving forward, addressing the challenges and criticisms surrounding the dolomite
project requires careful consideration of environmental, health, and social factors. It underscores
measures to achieve long-term environmental recovery and ensure the well-being of Manila
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