1. What can you say about the controversial Manila Bay Beach Nourishment Project? 2. If you are the members of the DENR, what would be your proposal for the rehabilitation of Manila Bay and help boost local and international tourism? Discuss in detail
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Manila Bay Beach Nourishment Project
After years of being known for its polluted waters, Manila Bay suddenly got a facelift as the government
decided to take a big risk by overlaying mounds of artificial white sand (dolomite) on a part of the bay's
naturally gray shoreline.
This project, which is spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), was
instantly met with harsh disapproval. In September, the overlaying of the dolomite in Manila Bay beach or the
beach nourishment project caught public attention, stirring curiosity and setting off waves of people flocking
to the area to get a glimpse of the "white sands".
Many criticized the project, throwing allegations at the DENR, calling the project a health hazard and a waste
of public funds.
But the DENR emphasized that the beach nourishment with the use of dolomite is a significant component of
the rehabilitation aimed to protect the coastal resources in the area and prevent coastal flooding, erosion,
and pollution. Being a mineral, a naturally occurring chemical compound that is calcium magnesium carbonate,
DENR said the dolomite is not detrimental to Manila Bay's ecosystems and is a known neutralizer that lessens
the acidity of seawater, making it popular for use in fish aquariums.
As to the claim that the dolomites allegedly pose health hazards to the public, the Department of Health also
assured that "no untoward incidents will occur as a result of the endeavor". The DOH said the dolomite
material used for the project is 100 times bigger than dust; hence it does not get suspended in the air, making
it hazardous.
Moreover, Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso reiterated his support for the said project, saying
that it could boost tourism and business in the city, particularly along Roxas Boulevard.
On claims that the project is a waste of public funds, DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu assured the public that
the funds used for the project would not be put to waste as people expressed fears that the dolomite sands
would simply be washed away, especially during typhoons. He said engineering interventions were made to
prevent the artificial white sand from being washed away. The project, he said, likewise passed the required
environmental impact assessment.
Despite the criticisms, many also expressed appreciation, especially when people started flocking to have their
pictures taken at the beach area.
For many, this is a man-made white sand beach in the middle of the city, a first in history seen by many,
including Manila's local government, where it is situated, to boost local and international tourism and generate
jobs for residents.
The DENR said the beach nourishment project is more than just aesthetics. It said it is a strategy to promote
pro-environment behavior among Filipinos with the hope that the white sand would inspire people to be more
mindful of their obligation to help keep the Manila Bay clean.
Questions:
1. What can you say about the controversial Manila Bay Beach Nourishment Project?
2. If you are the members of the DENR, what would be your proposal for the rehabilitation of Manila Bay and help boost local and international tourism? Discuss in detail
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