The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) emphasized on Wednesday that the possibility of a large earthquake dubbed the "Big One" should be taken into account while planning reclamation operations in Manila Bay.
DENR Secretary Antonia Yulo Loyzaga stated during a Palace press briefing that reclamation projects are vital to improving the economy, but the consequences for the environment must also be addressed.
According to Loyzaga, sea level rise should be taken into account when carrying out reclamation work.
Loyzaga highlighted that the DENR has been conducting cumulative impact assessments on reclamation projects in order to demonstrate the projects' effects on Manila Bay.
The Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) said in February that it will begin filling land in one of three reclamation projects in the Bay Area this year.
The permits for the projects were issued between 2019 and 2021, during the Duterte government.
At least 5,000 hectares of Manila Bay will be required for the 13 approved reclamation projects.
