For now, Isko Moreno backs DENR’s white sand project in Manila Bay

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Friday threw his support on the environment department’s beautification project of overlaying “white sand” on Manila Bay shore despite criticisms from various sectors.

“The next action is to really scrutinize the danger of that particular sand. In the meantime, they have the support of the city of Manila and we are grateful,” Moreno said in an online press briefing, reacting to claims that the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) “white sand” program is dangerous to the environment.

DENR announced that it would fill Manila Bay’s shore with white sand, which are crushed dolomite boulders sourced from Cebu.

But several critics warned that the dumping white sand is harmful to the Manila Bay as well as the area in Cebu where the sand will be retrieved.

Moreno said he would give presumption of regularity to the DENR as he has yet to find proof that the white sand is dangerous to the environment.

“For now, hangga’t wala namang siguro na nakapagsasaad o nakakapagtibay sa claim ng iilan, may presumption of regularity,” the mayor said.

(For now, as long as there is still no proof to support their claims, there is a presumption of regularity on the project.)

Admitting that he is not an environmental expert, Moreno said DENR knows “better to protect the environment.”

“With regard to claim na yung ilalagay na buhangin ay makakapaminsala sa kapaligiran, it is not up to me to identify scientifically na ito’y nakakasira ng kalikasan,” Moreno said.

(With regard to the claim that the white sand will pose a risk to the environment, it is not up to me to identify scientifically that this is dangerous to the environment.)

“I think DENR, on its own, knows it better to protect our environment. I don’t think a person in his right mind in a particular agency of the government, who is supposed to be taking care of our environment, will pollute our environment, ‘yun ang presumption ko (that’s my presumption),” he added.

The white sand project is part of Environment chief Roy Cimatu’s rehabilitation program of Manila Bay in 2019 which intends to rid pollution in the bay.

The Manila government has also been actively involved in the cleanup drive for Manila Bay. [ac]