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Manila Bay's 'white sand' may wash out soon amid the rainy season — geologist


The synthetic white sand dumped along the shores of Manila Bay could be washed out this year or in 2021 amid the rainy season, a geologist said Thursday.

According to a report on “Stand for Truth," Ezekiel Galanto said mechanically placed sand can be washed out easily due to waves, tides, the current or wind.

“The washing out may take time this year or next year lalo na ngayon ay tayo ay pumapasok sa rainy season, lalo na tayo ay nasa La Niña alert pa,” he said.

Galanto said the washed out artificial sand particles may also block the passage of water that can result in flooding in areas near the bay.

Meanwhile, Environment Undersecretary Benny Antiporda claimed the water cannot easily wash out the synthetic sand.

“‘Yong sasabihin natin na na-wash away eh hindi po ganoon. Kasi kung washed away siya, dapat wala na tayong nakikitang white sand. Ang nakikita po natin eh although may kaunting erosion pakaunti-kaunti pero hindi siya ganoon kalaki dahil this is protected by a geotube,” he said.

“Mayroon siyang engineering intervention kaya po hindi mangyayari ‘yon. This can withstand the strong wave, but, of course, we cannot compete with nature. We cannot overpower nature. Kapag nature na o ang kalikasan na ang nagalit sa atin, wala tayong magagawa. We need to come up with a solution… to maintain it and to take care of it,” Antiporda added.

Meanwhile, Galanto said a simple erosion can lead to a bigger one which can lead to the washing out of the dolomite sand.

“When that simple erosion patuloy pa rin siyang nangyayari, possibly talaga na ma-wash out ‘yong sand o dolomite sand sa Manila bay,” he said.

Earlier, environmentalists and fisherfolk groups criticized the project, calling it an artificial rehabilitation and a waste of money.

Meanwhile, Antiporda said putting white sand alongside Manila Bay coastline will discourage people from littering and throwing trash in the water.

Last week, DENR said concerned agencies and experts were consulted before implementing the project at the Manila Bay. -- Ma. Angelica Garcia/BAP, GMA News

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