Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) assistant general manager Joseph Literal asserted that the reclamation projects will not intensify flooding in Metro Manila and that this will instead serve as coastal protection against storm surges and tsunamis.
The statement was made following the decision of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to suspend 22 reclamation projects in the country while the impact assessment is ongoing.
Literal said that Manila Bay reclamation projects are designed to survive storm surges and tsunamis and meet climate change protections.
He also assured the public that they will still be able to enjoy the Manila Bay sunset once the reclamation projects are completed because they will install a large viewing deck in different locations.
"Mas mahaba at mas marami ang pagkakataon ng mga tao sa Metro Manila to view the sunset from a different vantage point. Walang obstruction kasi nandoon na sila mismo sa harap na harap ng Manila Bay," added Literal.
The PRA assistant general manager also clarified that only 13 of the 22 reclamation projects were suspended by the DENR in Manila Bay.
The said projects are handled by various local government units (LGUs) such as Navotas, Manila, Pasay, Paranaque, Las Piñas, Bacoor, and the province of Cavite.
On June 28, the DENR said it is monitoring the 22 reclamation projects in Manila Bay to ensure that no environmental law was violated.
Earlier this month, United States has expressed concern over the reclamation projects headed by the Chinese state-owned firm in Manila Bay in Manila Bay.
