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Lacson: Pouring white sand along Manila Bay ‘worthwhile’ endeavor

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Friday said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' decision to pour white sand along the shores of Manila Bay as part of the rehabilitation plan is  "worthwhile," so long as prudent planning was employed.

"On the assumption that proper studies and consultations with experts, especially on its sustainability and effects on the environment, not to mention due diligence on the financial investment were made before its implementation, I would like to think that it is a worthwhile endeavor," Lacson said in a message.

Environment Undersecretary Benny Antiporda earlier said the public would refrain from dumping wastes in Manila Bay

if they see white sand along its shore.

"If you are going to look at it, 'pag may kulay puti po, ayaw nating marumihan ito," Antiporda said.

The "white sand" placed along Manila Bay were actually crushed dolomite boulders from Cebu province.

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Dismissing warnings of some environmentalists that these substances may destroy the natural ecosystem, Antiporda assured that the "white sand" would not harm marine life in the bay.

"They should also have an in-depth study before coming up with opinion[s]. Iyong crushed dolomite boulders po, may calcium carbonate, at ganoon rin po ang content ng sea coral, kaya huwag po sila masyado negatibo," he said.

Further, Antiporda said the water quality in Manila Bay has significantly improved  from having 1.3 billion of coliform per 100 milliliter of water to 700 coliform per 100 milliliter of water.

“Ang target po is 200 coliform per 100 milliliter by the end of the year para maging safe po ito sa ating mga kababayan sakali pong lumangoy sila diyan,” he added.

For now, Manila Bay remains unsafe for swimming. — Dona Magsino/RSJ, GMA News