On January 27, 2019, DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu officially declared the start of the Manila Rehabilitation at the Baywalk in Manila. On hand to witness the declaration, and also joined in the earlier event of Solidarity Walk from the Quirino Grandstand to the staging area (Baywalk), were about 5,000 individuals, mostly representing the 13 Mandamus agencies, local government units, and private sector.
Calling it the “Battle for Manila Bay,” Cimatu, a former Armed Forces chief, said: “This is one battle that will be won not with force or arms, but with the firm resolve to bring Manila Bay back to life.”
He added: “With the commitment and determination of every Filipino to do his share in this rehabilitation effort, we have already won the battle for Manila Bay.”
MANILA BAY REHABILITATION
Phase 1- Cleanup/Water Quality Improvement
Cleanup of designated esteros and waterways;
Reduce fecal coliform level and toxic discharges from houses and establishments by causing connection to existing STPs and requiring STPs for gov’t, commercial, industrial, and educational establishments;
Inspect and repair leaks in old sewer lines;
Provide temporary sanitation facilities to informal settlers residing along esteros and shorelines pending relocation;
Implement solid waste management; and
Start planning for the relocation of informal settlers
Phase 2 – Rehabilitation and Resettlement
Rehabilitation of old sewer lines in NCR
Relocation of informal settlers
Ensure completion of 340 MLD of Maynilad and Manila Water by 2022
Phase 3 – Education and Sustainment
Continuing education of citizens to protect the gains
Sustained law enforcement and monitoring
Fast tracking/ Earlier completion of the sewerage system in Metro Manila from 2037 to 2026
4. What is the disadvantage and
advantages of Manila Bay
Rehabilitation Program?
MANILA — Philippine authorities’ latest efforts to clean up Manila Bay, one of
the country’s most polluted bodies of water, has come under fire after
they dumped truckloads of white sand (Dolomite) over the shoreline at
the end of August. The pictures above are the before and after of the
rehabilitation of the Manila Bay. Dolomite in its natural state is not a
health hazard. It is not listed by the mines safety and health association,
occupational safety and health association and even in international
agency as cancer or as a carcinogen," Environment Sec. Roy Cimatu told
a House hearing.
To clear everything, we dug deep into the pros and cons of using
dolomites.
6. USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION
INDUSTRY
Obviously, we can tell that dolomite
has a good reputation in the construction
industry because it's already on Manila Bay's
shores. The 228-year old sedimentary rock can
also be made into bricks, cement, plastics,
concrete, and paving materials with the right
skill. It's a smart choice that DENR chose this
material because of its versatility and
affordability.
7. LIVESTOCK NOURISHMENT
Surprisingly, dolostone is a great
player in the agriculture sector. Farm animals
such as chickens, cows, and sheep consume
the high calcium and magnesium content of
dolomite through tablets or edible wafers.
Both nutrients are essential for the growth
and nutrients of domesticated animals.
Without it, there would be no hard shells for
the eggs, milk production would be low, and
sheep would not grow wools properly.
8. AESTHETICALLY PLEASING VIEW
Clear ocean water, soft white sand,
and tropical trees blown by the gentle breeze of
Manila Bay promise a superb experience to any
locals finding joy during the pandemic. Set aside all
the sacrifices and drawbacks this project has and
look for its brighter side. The beautiful sunset view
from this beach will indeed reduce the stress you're
feeling right now. Not to mention the aromatic
smell of nature that will excite any nature lover.
10. DOLOMITE IS A THREAT TO HUMAN HEALTH
While white sand is an addition for
a luxurious Manila Bay, the mixed varying
silica levels present pose a threat to human
health. According to Lehigh Hanson Inc., a
Texas-based distributor and builder company,
dolomite's crystalline silica content may result
in cancer once inhaled. Prolonged exposure
can also cause skin and eye irritation while
ingesting it would result in stomach pain and
diarrhea. Although dolomite is classified as a
relatively non-toxic, nuisance dust, little
information exists as to its potential to
produce respiratory disorders following
occupational exposure.
11. DISRUPTION TO ECOSYSTEM
Manila waters are already
besieged by water pollution and resource
exploitation. Adding white sand means more
problems for our aquatic friends since it will
stress them out. If washed away by the
ravaging waves, it will mix into the ocean
water, making the temperature high and
decrease dissolved oxygen levels, which is
necessary for marine animals to breathe
12. THE WHITE SAND WILL BE
WASHED OUT
According to a statement by the
University of the Philippines Resilience
Institute executive director Mahar Lagmay,
naturally, sand will always be moved from one
place to another. The odds of it being washed
away are far from impossible. Replenishing it
with another batch of pulverized dolomite
rocks would result in spending more public
funds, but let's hope the project is worthwhile
13. REFERENCES
DIGGING THE SAND: BENEFITS AND SIDE EFFECTS OF CRUSHED
DOLOMITE ON MANILA BAY
http://www.metroscenemag.com/2020/09/digging-sand-benefits-
and-side-effects.html?m=1
MANILA BAY REHABILITATION
https://denr.gov.ph/index.php/2-uncategorised/853-compendium-
of-enr-statistics-2016
THANK YOU AND
GODBLESS!