More than 7,107 isles: Senators joke about Manila Bay reclamation projects

Several senators expressed through jokes their concerns over the several reclamation projects in Manila Bay.

The issue was opened during the Senate deliberations on the 2023 national budget when Senate majority Leader Joel Villanueva asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to provide them with the data on all reclamation projects across the country.

Citing information from scientists and fisherfolk groups, Villanueva said there are around 187 reclamation projects all over the country.

Senator Cynthia Villar, who sponsored the DENR's budget, said there are 19 reclamation projects in Manila Bay, two in Cebu and two in Samar. However, there was no data from other regions.

Senator Francis Tolentino manifested that he likewise observed several islets apparently being constructed near the shores of Manila Bay.

He then encouraged the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) to take note of their concerns.

"Perhaps, the Philippines now is not just 7,107 islands. So we will now have 7,122 islands, if that is correct. NAMRIA, you should be part of this. If another country can reclaim portions of the West Philippine Sea, we can also reclaim but within our waters," Tolentino said in jest.

Villar followed Tolentino's joke and said: "At home, my husband will say, hindi lang nag-Chinese invasion sa West Philippine Sea. Nag-Chinese invasion din sa Manila bay dahil sa dami ng reclamation sa Manila Bay."

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri also joined the deliberations and asked if Filipinos could still enjoy sunsets in Manila Bay with these ongoing reclamation projects.

Villar did not give a categorical answer but responded by asking: "How can we appreciate Manila Bay when we have drowned in the flood?"

Ending the discussion, Zubiri cracked another joke and said the dolomite beach or the artificial beach project that DENR had initiated during the last administration will now become a "dolomite swimming pool." — BM, GMA Integrated News