A group of fishermen and environmentalists formally filed a complaint on Monday, May 6, condemning the ongoing reclamation and dredging activities in Manila Bay.
According to RH Noche Cacas report, the Malagaya and Kalikasan People's Network for the Environment have formally submitted a complaint to the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) in Makati City.
The group aims to convey to the agency the fear experienced by coastal communities amid the combined and long-term effects of dredging and reclamation in the entire Manila Bay.
"Save Manila Bay! Total reclamation! Save Manila Bay!" the rallists appealed.
WATCH: @pama_pil at ilan pang environmentalist, naghain ng reklamo sa para tutulan ang reclamation at dredging activities sa Manila Bay | RH 27 @cacas_noche, DZRH News#SamaSamaTayoPilipino pic.twitter.com/rM32GOlmJM
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) May 6, 2024
According to the group, among the effects will be a large decrease in the fish population, the depletion of marine resources, an increase in invasive marine species, a collapse in livelihoods resulting in a loss of income, an increase in water levels, and others.
Pamalaya National chairperson and main petitioner Fernando Hicap said it is about time to question the legality of the reclamation and dredging projects in Manila Bay.
"Nakakabahala walang resulta yung pangako niyang communitive assessment, pero may na-approve na bago na dalawa na reclamation sa Pasay City," Hicap said.
Hicap asserted that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and PRA have responsibility for the millions of fishermen and those who live along the coast's damaged livelihoods.
