THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) continues to take measures to discuss and address the impact of the ongoing reclamation projects in Manila Bay.
DENR Sec. Antonia Loyzaga said that they are currently forming a composite group to lead the impact assessment of Manila Bay reclamation.
It will be led by Filipino scientists along with some experts from Japan, Singapore, and the United States.
“We are talking to a local scientist – a Filipino scientist. And we will be taking on some also from foreign expertise.”
“There will be a composite team, different disciplines, represented by Filipino scientists with advisory and expertise from foreign as well,” Sec. Antonia Loyzaga, DENR, said.
The DENR targets to form the said group this August.
DENR holds 2nd multi-stakeholder experts dialogue on reclamation
Meanwhile, on Monday morning, the agency conducted the second multi-stakeholder experts’ dialogue on reclamation.
It aims to gather more necessary inputs for the ongoing review and enhancement of existing policies pertaining to reclamation projects.
The discussion featured experts from the Embassy of Japan, deltares, and the US Army Corps of Engineers who presented on the global practice of reclamation.
“I hope it will help in formulating, updating, generating new laws or policies and practices based on international practice,” according to Loyzaga.
The secretary hopes that the reclamation issues will be included in the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
“We know that consistently the President will be making a statement that environmental sustainability is important to inclusive development. We hope to hear it there. We are confident in this presidency; President Bongbong sees the actual link between climate change, environment and human development,” Loyzaga said.
