New DENR chief Cuna urged to review approved reclamation projects

A fisherfolk organization on Sunday urged the newly appointed Environment secretary Juan Miguel Cuna to immediately review approved reclamation projects, particularly those covering Manila Bay.

According to Luisito Santos' report on dzBB Super Radyo, the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) blamed previous officials for allegedly failing to take sufficient action to protect Manila Bay, surrounding communities, and marine resources.

PAMALAKAYA National Chairperson Fernando Hicap said the new Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) chief should no longer find it difficult to justify a review of the reclamation projects.

He pointed out that several studies — including those conducted by the DENR itself — have already shown the adverse effects of reclamation on the environment, fisheries, and coastal communities.

Hicap also cited the actual experiences of residents who, he said, have suffered livelihood losses and increased vulnerability to disasters due to environmental degradation linked to reclamation activities.

Among the reclamation projects that have secured environmental compliance certificates are the 400-hectare City of Pearl project in Manila, the 650-hectare Davao City reclamation project, and the 420-hectare project in Bacoor City, Cavite.

The group called on the new DENR leadership to reassess these approvals and ensure that environmental protection and the welfare of affected communities are prioritized.—MCG, GMA Integrated News