Manila Bay’s health sets off alarm bells among fishermen and environmentalists
Opposition to economic development is growing. Population growth, pollution and land reclamations are the critical factors. Poor legislative protection also threatens the body of water. Foreign lawmakers and activists are joining the battle.
Milan (AsiaNews) – Environmental groups and fishermen are increasingly concerned about the health of Manila Bay, with opposition both at home and abroad growing against land reclamation and economic development.
The bay, which covers an area of 1,900 square kilometres, is rich in fish and is easily accessible, but lacks adequate legislative protections.
It suffers from two opposing movements: demographic pressure and pollution and land reclamation.
Despite rising sea levels and tides and increasing rain, several steps have been taken to tackle pollution. However, land reclamation is degrading coastal areas and reducing the bay itself with negative impact on human communities, wildlife and marine species.
In 2023, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a moratorium on reclamation activities until the Department of Environment and Natural Resources completed a cumulative impact assessment. The order was largely ignored.
At the same time, legal actions by organisations like Pamalakaya and Kalikasan, part of a broader movement in favour of environmental justice and human rights, are struggling to be heard.
Last December, local fishing associations, together with Pamalakaya and Kalikasan, asked the Supreme Court to summon environmental groups.
The request cites extensive environmental damage caused by these projects and their devastating impact on the livelihoods of fishermen and coastal communities.
It also seeks to reinforce the intent of House Bill 02026, refiled by the Gabriela Women’s Party so that Manila Bay can be declared a reclamation-free zone and impose penalties for violations.
Meanwhile, the situation is attracting more and more attention abroad.
“These projects threaten the very foundation of coastal communities, whose survival is intricately tied to the health of the Bay,” cautioned Indonesian member of parliament and APHR Co-chairperson, Mercy Chriesty Barends.
“The failure of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Philippine Reclamation Authority to uphold their duties only highlights the urgent need for legal action to stop this destructive practice,” she added.
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