10% of dolomite sand in Manila Bay swept to sea — DENR

About 10 percent of the dolomite sand in Manila Bay has been swept to sea by the heavy rains, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said Monday.

According to Bernadette Reyes’ report on “24 Oras,” Environment Undersecretary Jonas Leones said the black sand is also being washed in, covering the artificial white sand.

“May discoloration kasi ‘yong black sand niya pumapatong doon dahil sa lakas ng wave, dinadala ‘yong black sand, ‘yong regular sand, but this is a clean sand naman eh,” Leones said.

He added that the DENR will put dolomite sand in the water so that instead of the regular black sand, the artificial white sand will be washed onto the beach.

“Nakikita natin ‘yong magiging problema. Puwede laging mag-adjust. So later on, lalagyan pa rin namin dolomite ‘yon pati sa tubig na para at least pagka lumakas ‘yong wave, hindi na black sand ang dadalhin ng tubig, white sand na,” he said.

As part of its Manila Bay rehabilitation program, the DENR covered a portion of the coast with 500 tons of crushed dolomite to create a "white sand" beach.

The project received criticisms from various sectors, with some saying the artificial white sand is likely to be washed away in the future. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/BM, GMA News